Guidelines for Transportation of Animals [ 1] [2]

General Considerations:

1. All methods of transporting Johns Hopkins University (JHU) animals must provide for the health and welfare of the animals and conform to federal, state and local laws.
   
2. Transportation of animals should avoid public areas. When the transportation of animals through public areas, particularly outdoors, is required, personnel should be aware of the risk of possible incursion by those opposed to animal use.
   
3. Animals should not be transported through human food preparation or dining areas e.g. cafeterias, food courts, kitchens. Animals should not be transported through an area where a conference is taking place.
   
4. Use designated animal transportation routes and service or dedicated elevators wherever available to move animals from one location to another.
   
5. Animals should be transported safely, in a manner that avoids trauma and minimizes stress. Containers should not be tossed, dropped, needlessly tilted, or unsafely stacked.
   
6. Avoid temperature extremes when animals are transported. Special precautions or postponements are required when temperatures are below 45 degrees Fahrenheit (7 C) or above 85 degrees Fahrenheit (29 C).
   
7. Primary enclosures used for transporting animals, should be opaque or covered, escape proof, properly labeled (if transported by non-laboratory personnel), and provide adequate ventilation. Reusable enclosures should be sanitized between use to prevent the spread of pathogenic microorganisms, animal wastes and allergens, chemicals or radioactive materials where indicated.
   
8. Clean and decontaminate cargo areas used in the transportation of animals as necessary to prevent contamination of future animal deliveries.
   

Transporting animals between JHU buildings or campuses:

1. Animals should be transported in a manner that is escape-proof. When animals are transported through areas intended for use by the general public, they must be covered. Consider tranquilization of the animals, as appropriate to further minimize detection in a public area.
   
2. Examine the interior of disposable transport boxes before disposal to assure animals are not left in the container. Transport boxes should not be left in public corridors for disposal.
   

Delivery of animals to locations outside JHU:

1. Contact Research Animal Resources (AR) (410-502-0421 or 410-955-3713) for transfer of all species of animals across campuses or outside JHU. AR is required to transport primates, farm animals, dogs and cats off the JHU campus unless another acceptable method is justified and approved by the Attending Veterinarian (AV).
   
2. The AV will issue a health certificate to accompany animals within 30 days of shipment.
   
3. AR will book flights on commercial airlines, and arrange delivery of animals to the local airport prior to the flights.
   
4. Alternative arrangements for transporting animals outside of JHU must be approved by the AV.
   

Transporting animals exposed to hazardous materials:

1. Investigators planning to transport live animals (or carcasses) exposed to hazardous materials (e.g. infectious materials, human tissues, hazardous chemicals, radio ligands) from one location to another should contact the HSE at 410-955-5918 for specific guidance.
   
2. Small laboratory animals that are actively shedding the hazardous material must be transported in closed systems. Transportation needs for larger animals so exposed will have to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the AV in consultation with the Biosafety Officer.
   
3. Warning labels are required on enclosures used to transport live or dead animals exposed to hazardous materials. The specific hazard must be identified.

1. Approved by the Animal Care and Use Committee on: October 16, 2003, revised September 16, 2004
2. Adapted from NIH intramural guidelines http://oacu.od.nih.gov/ARAC/index.htm
   
   
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