Transporting Infected Animals

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Updated 08/2022

MSU Office of Research Compliance

This document describes the policy and procedures for transporting animals that have been exposed to infectious materials. Animals may be transported between the ARC and adjoining buildings, other buildings on campus, or to buildings off campus. Accidents can result in the release of these agents and potentially cause serious harm to people, community, and environment. It is the intention of this policy to provide a set of procedures to minimize risks of exposure during transport.

Whenever possible, animals should not be transported through public spaces or hallways. If animals are transported through public spaces or hallways, every attempt to avoid public exposure should be made. Cages that will be transported through public areas and hallways should be covered so that animals and cages are not visible and that the cover does not compromise ventilation. This can be accomplished with an opaque drape.
Institutional Biosafety Committee approval is required for the transport of animals that are transgenic or intentionally infected with a pathogen if the location they are being transported to is not listed on the approved IBC protocol.

Researchers should consider the degree of risk associated with biological agents. Risk Group 1/ Biosafety Containment level 1 (RG1/BSL1) agents pose a minimal potential threat to people and the environment, while Risk Group 2/ Biosafety Containment level 2 (RG2/BSL2) agents are associated with human diseases, pose a moderate health hazard, and must be handled accordingly. For agent classification, refer to your IBC protocol or MSU Pathogen Safety Data Sheets.

Like other university personnel, researchers must adhere to all Montana state policies regarding transportation (see SRM Automobile Insurance webpage for details).

Responsibility

Personnel that are transporting any laboratory animals must comply with the procedures in this policy. It is the responsibility of the Principal Investigator to ensure that 1). all laboratory personnel read and understand this policy and 2). all laboratory personnel have readily available access to the policy itself, as well as the materials required to transport animals properly and safely.

Transporting between the ARC and Adjoining Laboratory Buildings 

1. Animals must be in ARC approved cages with microisolator tops.

2. Cages must be placed in a secondary container sturdy enough to remain closed if dropped.

3. The outside of the secondary container must be disinfected prior to transport.

4. Cages in secondary containers must be transported on a cart.

5. Transport containers must be adequately sanitized after each use. 

Transporting between Buildings 

1. Animals must be in ARC approved cages with microisolator tops.

2. Cages must be placed in a secondary container sturdy enough to remain closed if dropped.

3. The outside of the secondary container must be disinfected prior to transport.

4. Cages and secondary containers must be transported between buildings on a cart.

5. Transport containers must be adequately sanitized after each use. 

Transporting to Buildings Off Campus 

1. Animals must be in ARC approved cages with microisolator tops.

2. Cages must be placed in a secondary container sturdy enough to remain closed if dropped.

3. The outside of the secondary container must be disinfected prior to transport.

4. A University-owned vehicle must be used. Personal vehicle use for transport is prohibited unless approved by the Attending Veterinarian (AV).

5. Transport containers must be adequately sanitized after each use.

6. Transport vehicles must be cleaned and sanitized after spills or any potential contamination with an appropriate chemical disinfectant. Consult the label for the appropriate contact time.