Rodent Quality Control: Genes and Bugs

This book shows how and why quality assurance programmes should be implemented in laboratory rodent facilities to monitor animal health and genetic status. It covers common practice to assure the desired level of microbiological and genetic surveillance of both genetically standardized and genetically altered laboratory mice and rats. In particular, the book introduces readers to the standardized genetic nomenclature and provides step-by-step protocols for genetic monitoring of the animals. International standards of health monitoring programs are discussed and statistical aspects thereof are explored. Furthermore, the book reviews common infectious diseases in laboratory rodents and guides the reader in monitoring the animals' health status through application of current diagnostic methods.

This book adresses researchers, technicians and zookeepers working in laboratory rodent facilities.

Chapter 1 Genetically standardized laboratory rodents. - Chapter 2 Genetically altered rodents. - Chapter 3 Standard nomenclature of mouse and rat Strains. - Chapter 4 Genetic quality controls for inbred strains and outbred stocks. - Chapter 5 Genetic quality controls for genetically altered rodents. - Chapter 6 Cryopreservation of valuable mouse and rat lines. - Chapter 7 Health monitoring programs and international standards. - Chapter 8 Statistical aspects of health monitoring in rodents. - Chapter 9 Viruses and viral diagnostics. - Chapter 10 Bacteria and Bacterial Diagnostics. - Chapter 11 Parasites and parasitic diagnostics. - Chapter 12 Laboratory animal pathology in relation to spontaneous infections.