It is essential that he is able to act as section director with powers of decision to ensure animal welfare. Thomas hint regarding the health of his animals forewarned Sobol of the situation that arose with the rabbits. Sobol should reply that as the facility veterinarian, he would assume responsibility for the health status of the rabbits. Sobol should have, at this stage, clearly stated his job responsibilities and used the opportunity to demand a clear job description with a transfer of power to his appointment. In a company the size of Eumic, laboratory animal veterinary services should operate as a separate service unit with its own status and chain of command.
Transport alone causes stress in rabbits.
The Vivarium at the University of Bergen routinely orders rabbits that are shipped from other parts of Europe. At no time do we withdraw feed from rabbits after transport. The practice varies in the other units that import rabbits into Norway. In almost all cases, some form of controlled feeding is used. No documented evidence supports the theory that feed withdrawal reduces diarrhea syndrome.