Satellite Housing
Number: IACUC-POL-005
Responsible Office: Office of Research and Creative Scholarship (ORCS)
Applies to: Principal Investigators Conducting Animal Research or All animal research and teaching protocols involving live vertebrate animals
1. Purpose
This document is to outline the requirements and expectations of the UM IACUC regarding satellite housing. While the IACUC recommends the use of centralized animal housing whenever possible, there are circumstances that require the use of a satellite facility. Per diem rates may still apply.
2. Definitions and Background
A satellite facility is a location outside of the vivarium where animals are housed or held for more than 12 hours for USDA species or more than 24 hours for non-USDA species.
Satellite facilities are overseen by the Principal Investigator (PI) and research staff and not generally maintained by Laboratory Animal Resources (LAR).
Approved satellite sites are expected to comply with the same federal regulations and IACUC policies as a centrally managed animal facility. For rodent activity, the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (8th Ed.) must be followed. Additionally, USDA covered species must comply with the Animal Welfare Regulations and agricultural species housing must meet the requirements in the Guide for the Care and Use of Agricultural Animals in Research and Teaching. A review of the appropriate OLAW Animal Facility checklist is recommended.
All satellite facilities and any supporting areas will be inspected on a semiannual basis by the IACUC, and routine veterinary oversight of the animals will be established with the Attending Veterinarian (AV).
3. IACUC Policy
- The applicable facility manager and the Attending Veterinarian (AV) must be contacted prior to submitting an application for the satellite facility to be sure the area meets the minimum requirements and is able to be used for the proposed purpose.
- A proposed satellite facility must be approved by the IACUC prior to animals being housed there.
- Once approved, it is the responsibility of the PI to meet all regulatory standards (environmental standards, water quality parameters, diurnal light cycles, daily husbandry care, health checks) and biosecurity requirements (PPE, access to site, etc.). If the housing location is unable to remain compliant, animals must be promptly relocated to an approved space and the AV notified.
- Before animals are moved from the vivarium to the satellite location, all applicable LAR forms must be filled out and submitted to the appropriate LAR personnel (i.e., transfer forms). Forms can be found on the LAR website and must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance.
- Environmental temperature and humidity must be within the Guide standards for the species. If there is fluctuation, the animals may need to be relocated until the issues are resolved or an exception to the Guide and if applicable the AWA is approved by the IACUC. Contact the LAR Manager if environmental concerns are present.
- Every 3 years, or if issues arise, the site should be evaluated for proper air exchanges (10-15/hour fresh air exchanges) per the Guide standards.
- Every 3 years, or if issues arise, the site should be evaluated for proper air exchanges (10-15/hour fresh air exchanges) per the Guide standards.
- A member of the laboratory staff or research personnel must check on animals and provide care daily (including weekends, holidays, university closure). If the laboratory staff or research personnel are not able to provide daily care, the AV must be contacted immediately to develop a plan for care/husbandry.
- The laboratory staff/research personnel must provide training to LAR staff once the animals are housed so proper care can be provided in case of an emergency.
- The laboratory staff/research personnel must provide training to LAR staff once the animals are housed so proper care can be provided in case of an emergency.
- The PI/laboratory staff/research personnel must keep DAILY records for husbandry, health checks, census, housekeeping and temperature/humidity (daily min and max) if animals reside in the space. This includes holidays, weekends, and unexpected university closures. Templates are available by request. Emergency contact information for the PI and/or research staff must be listed on the daily record.
- The housing area must have a mechanism of remote monitoring in place such that if extreme temperatures were encountered, a responsible individual would be contacted/alerted and appropriate steps taken.
- LAR will provide standard operating procedures (SOPs) for husbandry care used in the centrally managed spaces; these SOPs must be followed in the satellite housing spaces. Cleaning procedures used (if non-standard) will need to be described and validated using ATP testing. Deviations from LAR SOPs must be approved by the AV prior to implementation and be described in approved AUP.
- The animals(s) and enclosure(s) must be properly identified at all times. Identification (ID) cards must contain, at least, the protocol number and PI; methods of individual animal ID, such as ear tags and tattoos, must be legible. Other cards (e.g., clinical call, single housing, special care) should also be present on the cage, if applicable.
- Pest/vermin control may be required. The IACUC will determine the specific type on a case-by-case basis. Records must be maintained for any pest/vermin control used. Sticky type traps are not allowable in any circumstance. If a research animal escapes the enclosure, notify the IACUC Manager or AV immediately to obtain a live trap and report the incident to the AV/IACUC.
- Adequate quantities of the following must be properly maintained if animals are residing in the space: clean cages, bedding, enrichment, food, water, PPE, and any equipment needed for room cleaning/sanitation. Procurement of supplies may need to be arranged through the LAR Manager.
- All bedding, food, water, and any substance administered to the animal(s) must be stored appropriately (i.e., in vermin-proof containers, stored at proper temperature/humidity).
- The AV must have access to the satellite facility/area. The AV must be contacted when animals move into the satellite housing location to arrange routine health check visits.
- All staff involved with the satellite site must be aware of how to contact the veterinary staff in the event of a health concern or emergency. Veterinary contact information must be posted in the housing location.
- The veterinary staff must be contacted prior to initiating any clinically necessary treatment.
- Animal welfare reporting signage must be posted in all housing locations.
- The PI/laboratory staff must follow the UM Disaster Plan, which must be present at the main entrance to the satellite facility, and provide additional supplemental documents, if applicable.
- The PI/laboratory staff must provide the following information to the IACUC Manager, for incorporation into the UM Disaster plan. This supplemental information must be reviewed and updated annually.
- Evacuation/Gathering area for the specific building (interior and exterior)
- Animal relocation area
- Satellite security (keys/card reader) and name of contact person(s)
- Contact information for primary and secondary contact person (including office phone, cell phone and email)
- Floor plan and/or property plat of satellite site
- All daily records, SOPs and other required documentation must be kept up to date and be easily accessible to laboratory staff, research personnel, IACUC and AV. These documents must also be maintained for 3 years.
- All staff responsible for the care of animals within the satellite space must be adequately trained and enrolled in the UM Occupational Health and Safety Program. Personnel involved in the day-to-day operations of the satellite should contact LAR for additional training.
- LAR Satellite Visits
- Please work with the IACUC Manager to arrange routine visits to satellite facilities.
- The AV or their designee shall visit all rodent satellites weekly and aquatic satellites weekley.
- All facilities must notify the AV if any mortality occurs in their facility.
4. Information that may be requested by the IACUC/AV:
- Building/room
- Species
- Number of animals (maximum)
- Number of enclosures (maximum)
- How often will animals be present in the satellite?
- Enclosure type (i.e., cage, tank, stall) and dimensions
- A list of live-animal related activities to be performed in the satellite space (i.e., surgery, euthanasia, dark rearing, etc.)
- Type of room security (i.e., key, swipe card)
- List the names and contact information for those responsible for:
- Satellite emergencies (24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year)
- Daily checks for animal health and environmental conditions
- Daily husbandry and housekeeping duties
- Copy of the log sheet that you will use. This log must contain the following: Temperature/humidity (minimum/maximum daily values as well as current reading), animal health observations (including the presence of adequate food/water), sanitary enclosure conditions, when fresh food/water is provided, when cages/enclosures are changed, when general housekeeping items are completed and any additional notes, if applicable.
- Accompanying SOP(s) (such as equipment maintenance or room cleaning/sanitation).
5. References
- United States Department of Agriculture, 2017.
- National Research Council, 2011.
- Federation of Animal Science Societies, 2020.
6. Review, Approval and Version History
|
Version |
Date |
Description of Changes |
Approved By |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1.0 |
September 9, 2025 |
Initial policy creation |
IACUC Committee |