GA passports: The key to consistent animal care

The number of genetically altered (GA) animals used in scientific procedures within the UK and internationally has risen significantly over the last 15 years and continues to do so. As more GA animals are produced, and their use becomes increasingly common, the movement of such animals between establishments is becoming more widespread. This raises the issue of how to ensure that specific animal care information that can be used to improve welfare and minimise the potential for pain, suffering or distress, is accessible to whoever cares for them throughout their lifetime. The aim of the RSPCA GA Passport Working Group was to consolidate progress made in routine welfare assessment and the development of welfare/phenotypic databases, with the principles of the mouse passport. The GAPWG has produced a set of recommendations that reflect contemporary good practice, for all establishments to apply, when transferring any GA animal between any two locations. This will ensure that essential information relating to the animals' welfare and consistent standards of care are quick and easy for animal care staff to send and receive. Table of Contents: Introduction; 1 What is a GA passport?; 2 Why use a GA passport?; 3 When to use a GA passport; 4 What should a GA Passport contain?; 4.1 Recommended information; 4.2 Supplementary information; 5 Useful resources.

12 pages. Booklet. Written by a working group comprising a range of practitioners in the GA animal field, convened by the RSPCA. The "mouse passport" (Wells et al, 2006) was proposed as a record to provide husbandry and welfare information for establisments sending and receiving GA mice. Since 2006 there have also been advances in the routine "welfare assessment" of animals (Hawkins et al, In prep), and in the development of welfare/phenotypic databases. The printing of this booklet has been funded by contributions from GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and Harlan Laboratories UK. The entire booklet may be read or downloaded here. For more information, please contact the GA Passport Working Group at GA@rspca.org.uk.

Price: Online: Free of charge

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