A virtual tour of the Guide for zebrafish users

Area of Science:

• Laboratory animal science
• Comparative medicine
• Aquatic animal models

Background:

• Public Health Service (PHS)-funded and AAALAC-accredited facilities must adhere to established guidelines for laboratory animal care.
• The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals provides the foundational principles for animal welfare programs.
• Implementing these guidelines requires a structured approach tailored to specific species and institutional needs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the process of establishing a zebrafish (Danio rerio) care and use program based on the Guide.
• To provide a practical example for other institutions seeking to comply with regulatory standards.
• To highlight key considerations for developing a robust zebrafish research support system.

Main Methods:

• Review and interpretation of the Guide's recommendations relevant to zebrafish.
• Development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for housing, husbandry, and veterinary care.
• Integration of ethical review and oversight processes.
• Facility design and equipment selection to meet species-specific needs.

Main Results:

• Successful implementation of a comprehensive zebrafish care and use program at the University of Oregon Zebrafish Facility.
• Demonstrated compliance with PHS and AAALAC accreditation standards.
• Established protocols for daily husbandry, health monitoring, and emergency procedures.

Conclusions:

• The described approach provides a replicable model for establishing compliant zebrafish facilities.
• Adherence to the Guide ensures high standards of animal welfare and research integrity.
• Proactive program development is essential for meeting regulatory requirements and supporting scientific advancement.