Introduction of animals into a SPF (specific pathogen free) barrier facility

摘要

A new scheme has been implemented to introduce Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) animals from an external source into the Gene Targeting and Transgenic Unit (GTTU), an established and successful SPF unit. Animals are housed in Tecniplast Individual Ventilated Cages (IVCs). A specialised transfer isolator was designed and manufactured by the University of Nottingham and Bell Isolation Systems. This transfer isolator utilised an already existing pass-through port enabling animals to remain in a SPF environment whilst transferring to the barrier facility. This poster will discuss the challenges that were overcome to make this process efficient, practical and to enable the integrity of the barrier to be maintained.