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Outbreak: detection and investigation
Kari L Koszdin1, Ronald F DiGiacomo
1Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, 1660 S. Columbian Way 151L, Seattle, Washington 98108, USA.
Abstract:
With the increased movement of rodents between institutions of various pathogen status, the risk of introducing unwanted agents into a facility is high. This situation is in direct conflict with the increasing demand for "clean" rodents for use in biomedical research. If an institution is to have any hope of attaining specific-pathogen-free status, a rational surveillance program should be in place, along with a plan of action to be undertaken when an unwanted agent is detected in the facility. This review summarizes the factors that should be considered when designing a rodent health-surveillance program and outlines a general approach to be taken when rodents in a facility become infected with an undesirable agent.
Insights
Implementing a robust rodent health surveillance program is crucial for biomedical research facilities. This ensures the detection and management of unwanted agents, maintaining the health status of research rodents.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Laboratory Animal Science
- Biomedical Research
Background:
- Increased movement of rodents between institutions with varying pathogen statuses poses a significant risk of introducing unwanted agents.
- There is a growing demand for "clean" rodents, free from specific pathogens, for use in sensitive biomedical research.
- Maintaining specific-pathogen-free (SPF) status is essential for the integrity and reproducibility of research findings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the critical factors in designing effective rodent health surveillance programs.
- To outline a strategic approach for managing undesirable agents when detected in a research facility.
- To support institutions in achieving and maintaining high standards of rodent health.
Main Methods:
- Review of current practices and challenges in rodent health monitoring.
- Analysis of factors influencing the design of surveillance programs.
- Development of a framework for responding to pathogen detection.
Main Results:
- Effective surveillance requires careful consideration of factors such as facility type, rodent species, and potential threats.
- A proactive surveillance plan, coupled with a reactive management strategy, is vital for controlling infectious agents.
- The review provides a comprehensive guide for establishing and maintaining rodent health.
Conclusions:
- A well-designed rodent health surveillance program is indispensable for safeguarding research integrity.
- Proactive monitoring and a clear action plan are key to preventing and managing pathogen introduction.
- Adherence to best practices in health surveillance ensures the availability of reliable "clean" rodents for research.