Training Materials:

• 01. Aquatic Animals 02. Animal Use Methodologies 03. Euthanasia 04. Health and Disease 05. Husbandry 06. Images

  07. Non Human Primates 08. Occupational Health & Safety 09. Surgery 10. Training 11. Training Models

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Aquatic Animals

The Care, Handling and Use of Aquatic Animals program: Fish and other aquatic animals have unique characteristics and needs, especially in closed environments. In recent years, fish have become increasingly important in research, teaching and testing. In the Canadian Council on Animal Care's (CCAC) Animal Use Survey (1999), fish accounted for approximately 23% of all research animals in Canada. This program is an intensive, broad-based program that is an ideal introductory or refresher course for individuals involved in aquatic animal research, teaching or testing.

The Experimental Fish: an online WebCT training program for people who "use" fish in research, teaching and testing applications. The course syllabus closely follows the core topics outlined in the Canadian Council on Animal Care's National Institional Aquatic Animal User Training Program with special reference to aquatic animals. This program reviews not only regulatory and ethical issues involved in experimental animal use but also the practical aspects of aquatic animal care. For institutions that are provide training programs for animal user staff, this course in combination with wet-lab demonstrations will provide a complete user training program. Also Available: The Experimental Fish - U.S. Version This version include modules on American animal welfare legislation and regulatory systems, IACUC roles and responsibilities, and other issues of specific concern pertaining to fish research in the United States.

 

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Animal Use Methodologies

Jugular Blood Collection in the Rat - Includes step-by-step procedure for blood collection from the jugular vein of a conscious rat. Developed by Angelina Hathaway, sponsored by M.D. Anderson Cancer Center

Microisolator Technique and Materials - Lab Products DVD Send request via Website "Contact Us"

Virtual Mouse Necropsy - 3 sources for virtual (web based) training in necropsy procedures:

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
Vincenzo Covelli - Guide to the Necropsy of the Mouse
UC Davis - Mouse Virtual Necropsy

An alternative method for rat fixation when giving subcutaneous, intramuscular and intraperitoneal injections ("Camilla´s method"). Camilla Rasmussen & Merel Ritskes-Hoitinga, Biomedical Laboratory, University of Southern Denmark, Odense University. Scandinavian Journal of Laboratory Animal Science 1999, 26(3), 156-159.

S*T*A*R*S Database - Shared Technical Assistance for Research Scientists (previously Tech Tips), a resource for technical tips on husbandry and procedures related to the care and use of laboratory animals, Jim Letchworth, AS.

Working With The Laboratory Dog, a streaming video hosted on the OLAW web site. this video helps meet the training mandates for research staff using dogs in biomedical research. Presents basic techniques and background information that are appropriate for all who work with laboratory dogs in a research setting. "Working with the Laboratory Dog" was produced by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in 2000 with funding support by a charitable organization and with the cooperation of AALAS. Videotape can be ordered from AALAS.

Ante-mortem blood collection technique for mice - website information on a new blood collection technique, which could be applied to mouse research. Click on animal lancet and there are some video demos.

Careful How you Hold Me - An insight into caring for laboratory animals. A multimedia program on CD-ROM for researchers, students and animal technicians. Available from Melbourne University Press

Methods of Blood Collection in the Mouse, Lab Animal, Volume 29, No. 10, p. 47- 53, November 2000, by Janet Hoff, LVT, RLATG. (Full text article reprinted with permission by Lab Animal.)

A rapid, simple, and humane method for submandibular bleeding of mice using a lancet. William T. Golde, PhD, Peter Gollobin & Luis L. Rodriguez, DVM, PhD. Lab Animal Volume 34, No. 9 | OCTOBER 2005, 39-43

Sub-mandibular bleeding - It is much easier on the PI and mouse and no damage to the eye. It can be done with or without anesthesia. This is a really good website for explanation of the procedure. You don't have to use their lancets a 20 or 22 gauge needle works also. There is an infrared x-ray picture on the website that is also helpful. The technique requires practice but seems to be easier than retro-orbital bleeds.

Necropsy Procedures for Small Laboratory Animals - A 22-minute video available from The Microbilogy Laboratories, 56 Northumberland Road, North Harrow, Middlesex, HA2 7RE, UK. E-mail: needham@microlabs.demon.co.uk

The Rat, The Chicken, The Mouse (2003) - Recommended technical procedures. A video produced by the Canadian Association for Laboratory Animal Science for animal technologists, graduate students and laboratory assistants as an introduction to safe handling techniques and methods for injection and blood sampling in the laboratory rat, chicken, and mouse. Purchasing details

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Euthanasia

Recognizing Human Emotions in the Care of Laboratory Animals. Mikele Simkins, D.V.M., DACLAM, Clinical Veterinarian; Jennifer Lee, Training & Compliance Coordinator, Department of Comparative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine; Sean O'Riordan, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist, Stanford University Help Center

Training in Humane Methods of Euthanasia Niclole Duffee, AALAS National Meeting, 2001

Euthanasia with Care - A video designed as a teaching resource for animal technicians and scientific staff; covers the general principles and specific methods of euthanasia for commonly used laboratory species. (Duration 25 min) Available from Institute for Animal Technology (UK) and can be purchased on-line.

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Husbandry

Logging Temperature and Humidity: This works best if you are using the same meter. Illustrates how to use a digital hi-lo temperature and humidity monitor, and how to reset it each day. - Nirah H Shomer, DVM PhD DACLAM

Mouse Cage Change Criteria: An explanation of why we need to change cages (Ammonia!), and pictures illustrating how you tell when a cage needs to be spot-changed in between regular changes. Your criteria may differ- density of animals, housing mode (ventilated vs. non-ventilated cages, direct exhaust vs. exhaust into the room) vary from site to site. - Nirah H Shomer, DVM PhD DACLAM

Weaning mice: How to sex and wean mice, with graphic pictures. PG-13!! - Nirah H Shomer, DVM PhD DACLAM

What's wrong with this picture? - Common 'problems' (e.g. 'clean' cages stacked on the floor, cages with no cage card). Waldo (from "Where's Waldo") pops up to highlight each problem. - Nirah H Shomer, DVM PhD DACLAM

What's wrong with this bottle-wash - I would recommend you not post this one- it's SUCH a specific problem that it probably isn't worth the bandwidth. - Nirah H Shomer, DVM PhD DACLAM

Environmental Enrichment - A video produced by UFAW (35 min) which is aimed at those responsible for the care of animals in captivity, including animal technicians. The needs of animals are explored and practical suggestions given for improving their living conditions. Purchasing details

Handling and Sexing of some Common Laboratory Animal Species - A video produced by the Canadian Association for Laboratory Animal Science as a guide to those new to the field of laboratory animal care and includes an introduction to the concept of microbiological containment. Purchasing details

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Images

• CALAS/ASCAL - Source for CDs that can be used either as video or computer based training/initiation of new technicians to handling mice and rats - i.e. dosing/blood sampling/clinical observations. CALAS/ACSAL video/cd set available through the their website. www.calas-acsal.org

• Digital Material for Trainers - 12 CDs of images and videos. Topics: Health and Welfare; Handling, Husbandry and Minor Procedures; Surgery. University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Prof. Paul Flecknell , VETMB, PhD, DLAS, MRCVS . Three CD's include interactive course notes. Purchasing information

• Photo album - Animal Training Models by Sally Walshaw , VMD.

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Non Human Primates

Enrichment for Nonhuman Primates - A new resource on enrichment for nonhuman primates developed by OLAW in concert with the Association of Primate Veterinarians, American Society of Primatologists, and USDA Animal Care. This resource is divided into six separate booklets that serve as an introduction to the basic behavior and environmental enrichment of species commonly used in education, research and entertainment. The booklets are intended to be primers because they provide a basic introduction to the subject of environmental enrichment for primates housed in a diversity of conditions. The booklets may be downloaded from link. Instructions are also available for requesting hard copy.

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Occupational Health and Safety

Emory University Biosafety Courses - The NIH (NIAID) supported the Southeast Regional Center of Excellence for Biodefense and Emerging Infections (SERCEB), which has collaborated with the Center for Public Health Preparedness and Research (CPHPR) to develop a comprehensive education and training program in BSL4, ABSL4, BSL3, and ABSL3 laboratory safety practices that is conducted in a newly constructed mock BSL3/4 laboratory at Emory University.

Agent specific Occupational Health and Safety Training - Thomas H. Winters, MD, FACOEM Medical Director Occupational & Environmental Health Network Waltham, MA Objectives of this presentation: Describe categories and types of agents and their exposure risks, List available vaccines, Identify appropriate steps for exposure including reporting, treatment and follow-up.

Working Safely With Primates, a streaming video from NIH Office of Animal Care and Use. This video has a strong emphasis on proper use of personal protective equipment combined with understanding nonhuman primate behavior. The general principals are applicable to any program that houses nonhuman primates. Uses Real Player. Available in two connection speeds plus a downloadable file. Related documents provided by Pat Brown (all Word docs):

1. Herpes Virus Simiae (B Virus) Fact Sheet
2. Text for the movie script
3. Quiz for "Working Safely with Primates"

LASC Safety Scavenger Hunt:Hold a competition to see which tech can find the most potential safety hazards (e.g. trip hazards, badly-placed extension cords, broken equipment, slip hazards). - Announcement - Nirah H Shomer, DVM PhD DACLAM

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Training

Web Design: Design, Implementation, Challenges. Martha Rooks, MEd, Nicole Duffee, DVM, PhD, Michael Fallon, DVM, PhD. AALAS National Meeting, 2001.

1. Design of Effective Web-based Instructional Materials (Rooks)
2. Use of a Staff Programmer to Create a Web Site (Fallon)
3. Working with Outside Contractors (Duffee)

Lab Animal Jeopardy - Elton J. Machholz, Corporate Training Coordinator, Charles River Laboratories - Consulting & Staffing Services Division with inspiration and motivation provided by Lori Bindley - Developed in MS PowerPoint 2000, this Jeopardy style game has 2 full rounds of 30 questions each. Round one takes questions form the AALAS ALAT manual with Round two fielding questions from the AALAS LAT Manual. Round three is a one question "Final Jeopardy" set where you can bet as little or as many points earned in the previous rounds. Rounds one and two have "Daily Double" questions where you can wager up to your current point level. Directions for gameplay and navigating the screens are enclosed with the module. The game provides a very fun and effective study aid for group competitions, but can be equally enjoyed by individuals.

Database in MS-Access 97 for managing staff training records and occupational health compliance. Contains example data for 3 "staff members", and multiple types of training activities. Updated recently, and a new update is in progress. Features a user interface. Zip file size is 434K. Author: Nicole Duffee, DVM, PhD., Washington University.

Contract Lab Needs-Based Training. Stacy Pritt, DVM, MBA, Associate Director for Animal Care Training and Operations, Harvard Medical School. AALAS National Meeting, 2004

Lab Animal Training - Web Resources on the IACUC.ORG site. Contains list of organizations with training programs posted online and a list of URLs for training media.

AALAS Learning Library - The AALAS Learning Library provides training that is essential for technicians, veterinarians, managers, IACUC members, and investigators working with animals in a research or education setting. Emphasizing the appropriate handling, care, and use of animals, the courses are designed to help you study for AALAS certification, meet training mandates of regulatory agencies, and improve your knowledge in technical areas.

ALAT Jeopardy Chapters 12-13: Use this powerpoint presentation to study for the ALAT by playing Jeopardy! This covers the materials in the ALAT manual Ch. 12-13. To play, put up the 'board' with the 5 categories and values (100-500 points), and then use the mouse to choose the slide. Each question slide is followed by an answer slide. (If there is interest, I have questions for most of the chapters). - Nirah H Shomer, DVM PhD DACLAM

Developing ALAT/LAT In-House Training Classes: A LAWTE Survey - One of the many roles of training coordinators involves developing in-house training classes to assist staff in achieving AALAS Certification. Recently, a question was sent out to all LAWTE Listserve members asking for input about “what works and what doesn’t” in developing the classes at various facilities.

Animal Welfare Training and Animal Welfare Concerns, PowerPoint files by Annie Delaney.

Creating a Comprehensive Training Documentation Program - Stacy Pritt, DVM, Paula Samalonis, LVT, RLATG, Lori Bindley, RLATG, and Amy Schade, LAT, RQAP-GLP - The regulations mandate that individuals involved in research animal care and use receive adequate training, but they fail to address the documentation of the training. The authors provide guidelines for training documentation and, as an example, describe the program in place at the University of Pennsylvania. Lab Animal, 4/2004, V 33, N 4

Creating a Training Coordinator Position - Bruce W. Kennedy, MS, RLATG - The critical need for high-quality staff training in laboratory animal facilities may lead to the creation of a separate staff position— that of training coordinator. The author offers a series of checklists for use in both defining and then filling such a position.

Essentials for Animal Research: A Primer for Research Personnel - This manual was developed from the outlines of a course entitled Essentials for Animal Research, originally developed at the University of Illinois at Chicago for graduate students who wanted to learn more about the use of animals in research than generally covered in the training received in their chosen area of concentration. From its inception, the course has constantly evolved to remain current with ever-changing regulations and an increasing awareness by graduate students of the issues concerning the use of animals in biomedical research, teaching and testing. The course introduces those elements which have become essential requirements for using animals in research, teaching or testing programs. These requirements primarily center around the responsibilities one assumes when they intend to use animals in their work. The ultimate responsibility lies with the Principle Investigator who must have a working knowledge of the regulations, be familiar with the factors that affect the selection, acquisition and maintenance of experimental animals and be aware of the ethical and social issues involved with the use of animals in biomedical research.

Experimental Design - A multimedia learning package on CD-ROM to teach better experimental design written by Michael Festing and David Dewhurst. Available from Sheffield Bioscience Programs

Training for Best Practices for Agricultural Programs - As with other areas of animal research, ensuring the proper training and qualifications of the individuals working with agricultural animals for use in research, teaching, and testing is critical to both animal welfare and the successful outcome of the study or teaching exercise. The author provides guidance for the development of appropriate training programs for organizations that use agricultural animals in research.

Revised USDA APHIS Animal Care Policy #15. Specific language for the training of IACUC members is now part of the policy.

Post-Approval Protocol Compliance Monitoring - An ongoing program to audit approved animal protocols is an essential component of a comprehensive animal care and use program. It provides an excellent method of ensuring institutional regulatory compliance, facilitating research activities, and giving investigators an opportunity to discuss concerns or changes needed in active protocols and the animal care program. - Powerpoint presentation by Barb Smith, DVM, PhD, DACVS, DACLAM, Director of the Animal Resources Facility at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute presented at Massachusetts Society for Medical Research, Inc. (MSMR) IACUCs & Ethics … Rights, Roles & Responsibilities Conference - Friday, October 21 2005

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Training Models

Microsurgical Developments PVC-Rat was developed to master skills in microsurgery. The Microsurgical Developments PVC-Rat is an example of the replacement of living animals. Using the model during training of scientists and animal technicians, the number of live-animals needed, will be reduced drastically. It gives the possibility of training approximately 25 different microsurgical techniques (i.e. anastomoses, cannulations, transplantations of vessels and organs).

PVC Rat -for simulation of catheter implants and microsurgery. Includes an interactive CD-ROM program for patient monitoring. Available from Microsurgical Development foundation.

DASIE (Dog Abdominal Surrogate for Instructional Exercises) - A laminated fabric and polyurethane model designed and constructed to resist cutting, and to hold sutures in a manner similar to normal tissues. Used for practicing aseptic technique, instrument handling, suturing and ligation. Available from DASIE International.

Koken Rat - anatomical model with tail vein to practice venepuncture. Available from B & K Universal.

 

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