Newly acquired animals can introduce disease into established colonies. In addition, production colonies maintained by suppliers occasionally experience outbreaks of disease. DLAM monitors animal health quality from different suppliers and maintains quality control data provided by vendors. This information can be provided to investigators to assist in choosing appropriate sources of animals.
To minimize the possibility of introducing disease into campus animal facilities, all arrangements for acquiring and housing live animals must be made through DLAM. Investigators in departments who use the Life Sciences vivarium may order either through DLAM or through their departmental purchasing office. Animals may not be purchased or otherwise acquired until a fully approved animal use protocol is on file. If wild animals are to be used, arrangements for any necessary quarantine must be made before animals are acquired. The investigator is responsible for determining if permits (such as from US Fish and Wildlife or California Fish and Game) are required and any necessary permits must be obtained before animals are acquired. DLAM can assist investigators in determining when permits are needed and in obtaining them.
When ordering common laboratory species and strains through DLAM, note that Tuesdays at 4 p.m. is the deadline for deliveries the following week. Please see the DLAM website for additional information regarding animal orders. Note!! The ARC administrative office does not order animals.
In some cases, the ARC may grant approval for investigators to acquire animals through non-traditional sources (e.g., purchased from exotic fish stores or captured in the wild) that cannot be processed through DLAM. Investigators who acquire animals through these or other sources must provide DLAM (10833 Le Conte Ave., Mail Code 737216, or via fax to 310-794-0285) with the following information immediately upon acquisition of animals:
- Investigator's name
- ARC protocol number
- A copy of the sales receipt or import slip, indicating the number of animals purchased or captured
- Animal species
- Vendor/source of animals