An isolator system for mice infected with Eimeria spp. and other parasites

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Science
• Laboratory Animal Science
• Infectious Disease Control

Background:

• Cross-contamination in animal housing poses a significant risk to research integrity.
• Parasitic infections can compromise animal welfare and experimental outcomes.
• Existing housing methods may not adequately prevent pathogen transmission.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe an effective isolator system for individual housing of mice.
• To detail a method for preventing cross-contamination by parasites in mouse colonies.
• To outline an operational procedure for the described isolator system.

Main Methods:

• Development of an isolator system designed for single-mouse housing.
• Implementation of individual filtered air supply to each mouse.
• Management of waste air under positive pressure to contain potential contaminants.

Main Results:

• The described isolator system effectively houses mice individually.
• The system mitigates the risk of cross-contamination by parasites.
• Filtered air supply and positive pressure waste air management were successfully implemented.

Conclusions:

• The developed isolator system provides a robust solution for parasite-free individual mouse housing.
• This method enhances animal welfare and improves the reliability of research findings.
• The system offers a practical approach to maintaining biosecurity in laboratory animal facilities.