COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION

of 18 June 2007

on guidelines for the accommodation and care of animals used for experimental and other scientific purposes

(notified under document number C(2007) 2525)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2007/526/EC)

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular the second indent of Article 211 thereof,

Whereas:

Council Directive 86/609/EEC of 24 November 1986 on the approximation of laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States regarding the protection of animals used for experimental and other scientific purposes (1) implements European Convention for the protection of vertebrate animals used for experimental and other scientific purposes (hereinafter ‘Convention’). Council Decision 1999/575/EC (2) approved the Convention.

Under Directive 86/609/EEC Member States need to ensure that experimental animals are adequately cared for and accommodated, and that restrictions to those animals satisfying their physiological and ethological needs are only limited to the absolute minimum.

Appendix A to the Convention is implemented in Annex II to Directive 86/609/EEC, which sets out guidelines for accommodation and care of experimental animals.

The revised Appendix A contains guidelines. Therefore it is appropriate to incorporate those guidelines in a Recommendation.

Council Directive 98/58/EC of 20 July 1998 concerning the protection of animals kept for farming purposes lays down minimum standards for the protection of animals bred or kept for farming purposes (3) .

Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 of 22 December 2004 on the protection of animals during transport and related operations and amending Directives 64/432/EEC and 93/119/EC and Regulation (EC) No 1255/97 (4) lays down provisions on the welfare of live vertebrate animals during their transport within the Community including the specific checks to be carried out by officials on consignments entering or leaving the customs territory of the Community,

HEREBY RECOMMENDS:

Member States should pay regard to the guidelines set out in the Annex to this Recommendation for the implementation of points (a) and (b) of the first paragraph of Article 5 of Directive 86/609/EEC.

Member States should inform the Commission of the steps taken to give effect to this recommendation by 15 June 2008.

(1) OJ L 358, 18.12.1986, p. 1. Directive as amended by Directive 2003/65/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 230, 16.9.2003, p. 32).

(2) OJ L 222, 24.8.1999, p. 29.

(3) OJ L 221, 8.8.1998, p. 23. Directive as amended by Regulation (EC) No 806/2003 (OJ L 122, 16.5.2003, p. 1).

(4) OJ L 3, 5.1.2005, p. 1.

ANNEX

Guidelines for accommodation and care of animals used for experimental and other scientific purposes

CONTENTS

Introduction

Definitions

GENERAL SECTION

1. The physical facilities

1.1. Functions and general design

1.2. Holding rooms

1.3. General and special purpose procedure rooms

1.4. Service rooms

2. The environment and its control

2.1. Ventilation

2.2. Temperature

2.3. Humidity

2.4. Lighting

2.5. Noise

2.6. Alarm systems

3. Education and training

4. Care

4.1. Health

4.2. Capture from the wild

4.3. Transport of animals

4.4. Quarantine, acclimatisation and isolation

4.5. Housing and enrichment

4.6. Feeding

4.7. Watering

4.8. Flooring, substrate, litter, bedding and nesting material

4.9. Cleaning

4.10. Handling

4.11. Humane killing

4.12. Records

4.13. Identification

SPECIES-SPECIFIC SECTION

A. Species-specific guidelines for rodents

1. Introduction

2. The environment and its control

3. Health

4. Housing, enrichment and care

B. Species-specific guidelines for rabbits

1. Introduction

2. The environment and its control

3. Health

4. Housing, enrichment and care

C. Species-specific guidelines for cats

1. Introduction

2. The environment and its control

3. Health

4. Housing, enrichment and care

D. Species-specific guidelines for dogs

1. Introduction

2. The environment and its control

3. Health

4. Housing, enrichment and care

E. Species-specific guidelines for ferrets

1. Introduction

2. The environment and its control

3. Health

4. Housing, enrichment and care

F. Species-specific guidelines for non-human primates

a. General considerations

1. Introduction

2. The environment and its control

3. Health

4. Housing, enrichment and care

5. Training of personnel

6. Transport

b. Additional guidelines for housing and care of marmosets and tamarins

1. Introduction

2. The environment and its control

3. Health

4. Housing, enrichment and care

5. Training of personnel

6. Transport

c. Additional guidelines for housing and care of squirrel monkeys

1. Introduction

2. The environment and its control

3. Health

4. Housing, enrichment and care

5. Training of personnel

6. Transport

d. Additional guidelines for housing and care of macaques and vervets

1. Introduction

2. The environment and its control

3. Health

4. Housing, enrichment and care

5. Training of personnel

6. Transport

e. Additional guidelines for housing and care of baboons

1. Introduction

2. The environment and its control

3. Health

4. Housing, enrichment and care

5. Training of personnel

6. Transport

G. Species-specific guidelines for farm animals and mini-pigs

a. General considerations

1. Introduction

2. The environment and its control

3. Health

4. Housing, enrichment and care

b. Additional guidelines for housing and care of cattle

1. Introduction

2. The environment and its control

3. Health

4. Housing, enrichment and care

c. Additional guidelines for housing and care of sheep and goats

1. Introduction

2. The environment and its control

3. Health

4. Housing, enrichment and care

d. Additional guidelines for housing and care of pigs and mini-pigs

1. Introduction

2. The environment and its control

3. Health

4. Housing, enrichment and care

e. Additional guidelines for housing and care of equines, including horses, ponies, donkeys and mules

1. Introduction

2. The environment and its control

3. Health

4. Housing, enrichment and care

H. Species-specific guidelines for birds

a. General considerations

1. Introduction

2. The environment and its control

3. Health

4. Housing, enrichment and care

b. Additional guidelines for housing and care of the domestic fowl, in stock and during procedures

c. Additional guidelines for housing and care of the domestic turkey, in stock and during procedures

d. Additional guidelines for housing and care of quail, in stock and during procedures

e. Additional guidelines for housing and care of ducks and geese, in stock and during procedures

f. Additional guidelines for housing and care of pigeons, in stock and during procedures

g. Additional guidelines for housing and care of zebra finch, in stock and during procedures

I. Species-specific guidelines for amphibians

1. Introduction

2. The environment and its control

3. Health

4. Housing, enrichment and care

5. Transport

J. Species-specific guidelines for reptiles

1. Introduction

2. The environment and its control

3. Health

4. Housing, enrichment and care

5. Transport

K. Species-specific guidelines for fish

1. Introduction

2. Environment and its control

3. Health

4. Housing, enrichment and care

5. Transport

INTRODUCTION

1. One of the aims of Directive 86/609/EEC is to protect animals used for experimental and other scientific purposes to ensure that any possible pain, suffering, distress or lasting harm inflicted as a consequence of procedures being conducted upon them, shall be kept at a minimum.

2. Some procedures are conducted under field conditions on free-living, self-supporting, wild animals, but such procedures are relatively few in number. The great majority of animals used in procedures are kept in facilities ranging from outdoor corrals to cages for small animals in a laboratory animal house. This is a situation where there are often highly conflicting interests between the scientific requirements and the needs of the animal. In this conflict, the basic physiological and ethological needs of the animals (freedom of movement, social contact, meaningful activity, nutrition, water) should be restricted only for the minimum necessary period of time and degree. Such restrictions should be reviewed by scientists, animal technicians and those competent persons charged with advisory duties in relation to the well-being of the animals before procedures are undertaken to ensure that the extent of the compromise to animal welfare is minimised to a level consistent with the scientific objectives of the study.

3. This Annex provides guidelines for the accommodation and care of animals, based on present knowledge and good practice. It explains and supplements the basic principles adopted in Article 5 of Directive 86/609/EEC. The object of this Annex is thus to help authorities, institutions and individuals in their pursuit of the aims of Directive 86/609/EEC in this matter.

4. The General section provides guidelines on accommodation, housing and care relevant to all animals used for experimental and other scientific purposes. Supplementary guidance concerning commonly used species is presented in specific sections. Where no information is included in these specific sections the guidelines are included in the general section. The species-specific sections are based on proposals made by expert groups on rodents, rabbits, dogs, cats, ferrets, non-human primates, farm species, mini-pigs, birds, amphibians, reptiles and fish. In addition to these proposals, the expert groups also submitted background information to support their proposals, based on scientific evidence and practical experiences. This background information is the sole responsibility of the respective expert groups and is separately available. For some groups of species, namely amphibians, reptiles and fish, these explanatory documents also provide additional information on less commonly used species not referred to in the species-specific guidelines. Should behavioural or breeding problems occur, or should further information on specific requirements for other species be required, advice should be sought from experts specialised in the species concerned and care staff, to ensure that any particular species' needs are adequately addressed.

5. Care is a word which, when used in connection with animals intended for, or in actual use in procedures, or in connection with laboratory animals kept for breeding purposes, covers all aspects of the relationship between animals and man. Its substance is the sum of material and non-material resources provided by man to obtain and maintain an animal in a physical and mental state where it suffers least, and promotes good science. It starts from the moment the animal is intended to be used in procedures, including breeding or keeping for that purpose, and continues until it is humanely killed or otherwise disposed of by the establishment in accordance with Article 9 of Directive 86/609/EEC after the completion of the procedure.

6. The Annex includes advice about the design of appropriate animal facilities and provides recommendations and guidance about how the welfare guidelines contained within Directive 86/609/EEC can be met. However, the recommended standards of space represent minimum allowances. These may have to be increased in some circumstances, as environmental requirements for individual animals might vary according, for example, to species, age, physiological conditions, stocking density and whether the animals are kept as stock, for breeding or experiments, whether long-term or short-term. Environmental enrichment is also an important factor for the welfare of the animals.

7. Existing facilities or equipment should be altered or replaced taking into account these guidelines, having regard to animal welfare priorities and financial and practical concerns. Pending such replacement or alteration, adjustments should be made to numbers and sizes of animals in existing enclosures in order to follow these guidelines as far as possible.

DEFINITIONS

For the purpose of these guidelines:

(1) ‘animal enclosure’ means the primary accommodation in which the animals are confined, such as: (a) ‘cage’ — a permanently fixed or movable container that is enclosed by solid walls and, at least on one side, by bars or meshed wire or, where appropriate, nets, and in which one or more animals are kept or transported; depending on the stocking density and the size of the container, the freedom of movement of the animals is relatively restricted; (b) ‘pen’ — an area enclosed, for example, by walls, bars or meshed wire in which one or more animals are kept; depending on the size of the pen and the stocking density, the freedom of movement of the animals is usually less restricted than in a cage; (c) ‘run’ — an area closed, for example, by fences, walls, bars or meshed wire and frequently situated outside permanently fixed buildings, in which animals kept in cages or pens can move freely during certain periods of time in accordance with their ethological and physiological needs, such as exercise; (d) ‘stall’ — a small enclosure with three sides, usually a feed-rack and lateral separations, where one or two animals may be kept tethered;

2. The secondary accommodation, in which the animal enclosure(s) may be kept, are designated as ‘holding rooms’. Examples of ‘holding rooms’ are: (a) rooms where animals are normally housed, either for breeding and stocking, or during the course of a procedure; (b) ‘containment systems’, such as isolators, laminar flow cabinets and individually ventilated cage systems;

GENERAL SECTION

1. THE PHYSICAL FACILITIES

1.1. Functions and general design

1.1.1. All facilities should be so constructed as to provide a suitable environment for the species to be kept, taking into account their physiological and ethological needs. Facilities should also be designed and managed to prevent access by unauthorised persons and the ingress or escape of animals. Facilities that are part of a larger building complex should also be protected by appropriate security and building measures and arrangements that limit the number of entrances.

1.1.2. There should be an active maintenance programme in order to prevent and remedy any defect of buildings or equipment.

1.2. Holding rooms

1.2.1. All necessary measures should be taken to ensure regular and efficient cleaning of the rooms and the maintenance of satisfactory hygienic standards. Ceilings and walls should be damage-resistant with a smooth, impervious and easily washable surface. Special attention should be paid to junctions, including those with doors, ducts, pipes and cables. Where appropriate, an inspection window should be fitted in the door. Floors should be smooth, impervious and have a non-slippery, easily washable surface, which can carry the weight of racks and other heavy equipment without being damaged. Drains, if present, should be adequately covered and fitted with a barrier, which will prevent vermin from gaining access or animals from escaping.

1.2.2. Where the animals are allowed to run freely, walls and floors should be surfaced with a material resistant to the heavy wear and tear caused by the animals and the cleaning process. The material should not be detrimental to the health of the animals and should be such that the animals cannot hurt themselves. Additional protection should be given to any equipment or fixtures so that they may not be damaged by the animals or injure the animals themselves.

1.2.3. Species that are incompatible, for example predator and prey, or animals requiring different environmental conditions, should not be housed in the same room nor, in the case of predator and prey, within sight, smell or sound.

1.2.4. Holding rooms should, where appropriate, be provided with facilities for carrying out minor procedures and manipulations.

1.3. General and special purpose procedure rooms

1.3.1 At breeding or supplying establishments suitable facilities for making consignments of animals ready for dispatch should be available.

1.3.2. All establishments should also have available, as a minimum, laboratory facilities for the carrying out of simple diagnostic tests, post-mortem examinations, and/or the collection of samples which are to be subjected to more extensive laboratory investigations elsewhere.

1.3.3. Facilities should be provided to enable newly-acquired animals to be isolated until their health status can be determined, and the potential health risk to established animals assessed and minimised.

1.3.4. General and special purpose procedure rooms should be made available for situations where it is undesirable to carry out the procedures or observations in the holding rooms.

1.3.5. Where appropriate, there should be provision for one or more separate rooms suitably equipped for the performance of surgical procedures under aseptic conditions. There should be facilities for post-operative recovery where this is warranted.

1.3.6. There should be accommodation for separate housing of sick or injured animals, where necessary.

1.4. Service rooms

1.4.1. Storerooms should be designed, used and maintained to safeguard the quality of food and bedding. These rooms should be vermin and insect-proof. Other materials, which may be contaminated or present a hazard to animals or staff, should be stored separately.

1.4.2. Separate storerooms for clean cages, instruments and equipment should be provided.

1.4.3. The cleaning and washing areas should be large enough to accommodate the installations necessary to decontaminate and clean used equipment. The cleaning process should be arranged so as to separate the flow of clean and dirty equipment to prevent the contamination of newly-cleaned equipment. Walls and floors should be covered with a suitably durable surface material and the ventilation system should have ample capacity to carry away the excess heat and humidity.

1.4.4. Provision should be made for the hygienic storage and disposal of carcasses and animal waste. If incineration on the site is not possible or necessary, suitable arrangements should be made for the safe disposal of such material, having regard to national and local regulation and by-laws. Special precautions should be taken with toxic, radioactive or infectious waste.

1.4.5. The general design and construction of circulation areas should correspond to the standards of the holding rooms. The corridors should be wide enough to allow easy circulation of movable equipment.

2. THE ENVIRONMENT AND ITS CONTROL

2.1. Ventilation

2.1.1. Adequate ventilation should be provided in the holding room and the animal enclosures to satisfy the requirements of the animals housed. The purpose of the ventilation system is to provide sufficient fresh air of an appropriate quality and to keep down the levels and spread of odours, noxious gases, dust and infectious agents of any kind. It also provides for the removal of excess heat and humidity.

2.1.2. The air in the room should be renewed at frequent intervals. A ventilation rate of fifteen to twenty air changes per hour is normally adequate. However, in some circumstances, for example where stocking density is low, eight to ten air changes per hour may suffice. In some cases, natural ventilation may suffice and mechanical ventilation may not even be needed. Recirculation of untreated air should be avoided. However, it should be emphasised that even the most efficient system cannot compensate for poor cleaning routines or negligence.

2.1.3. The ventilation system should be so designed as to avoid harmful draughts and noise disturbance.

2.1.4. Smoking in rooms where there are animals should be forbidden.

2.2. Temperature

2.2.1. The subsequent species-specific sections give the range within which it is recommended that the temperature should be maintained. It should also be emphasised that the figures given in these sections apply only to adult, normal animals. New-born, young, hairless, newly-operated, sick or injured animals will often require a much higher temperature level. The temperature of the premises should be regulated according to possible changes in the animals' thermal regulation, which may be compromised due to special physiological conditions or to the effects of the procedures. Temperature in the holding rooms should be measured and logged on a daily basis.

2.2.2. It may be necessary to provide a ventilation system having the capacity both to heat and cool the air supplied.

2.2.3. In user establishments a precise temperature control in the holding rooms may be required, because the temperature of the environment is a physical factor which has a profound effect on the metabolism and behaviour of all animals, and therefore affects the validity of certain scientific outcomes.

2.2.4. Outdoor areas provided for animals to exercise and interact cannot have strict temperature regulation. Animals should not be restricted to such areas under climatic conditions which may cause them distress.

2.3. Humidity

For some species, such as rats and gerbils, the relative humidity may need to be controlled within a fairly narrow range to minimise the possibility of health or welfare problems, whereas other species, such as dogs, tolerate well wide fluctuations in humidity levels.

2.4. Lighting

Where natural light does not provide an appropriate light/dark cycle, it is necessary to provide controlled lighting both to satisfy the biological requirements of the animals and to provide a satisfactory working environment. Exposure of some species to bright light should be avoided and darker areas for withdrawal should be available within the animal enclosures. There should be adequate illumination for the performance of husbandry procedures and inspection of the animals. Regular photoperiods and intensity of light suitable to the species should be provided and interruptions to these should be avoided. When keeping albino animals, one should take into account their sensitivity to light. Consideration should be given to the inclusion of windows in holding rooms, since they are a source of natural light and can provide environmental enrichment for some species, especially non-human primates, dogs, cats, some farm animals and other large mammals.

2.5. Noise

Noise can be a disturbing factor for animals. High noise levels and sudden noises can cause stress which, in addition to the welfare consequences for the animal, may influence experimental data. Noise levels within the hearing ranges of animals, including in some cases ultrasound, that is, sound above the hearing range of the human being, conventionally taken to be sounds exceeding 20 kHz, should be minimised particularly during their resting phase. Alarm systems should sound outside the sensitive hearing range of the animals, where this does not conflict with their audibility to humans. The layout of rooms and corridors can be major factors influencing the acoustic environment and this should be taken into account in their design. Holding rooms should be provided with adequate noise insulation and absorption materials.

2.6. Alarm systems

A technologically dependent animal facility is a vulnerable entity. It is strongly recommended that such facilities are appropriately protected to detect hazards such as fires, the intrusion of unauthorised persons, and the breakdown of essential equipment, such as ventilation fans, air heaters or coolers and humidifiers.

Animal facilities which rely heavily on electrical or mechanical equipment for environmental control and protection should have a stand-by system to maintain essential services and emergency lighting systems as well as to ensure that alarm systems themselves do not fail to operate.

Heating and ventilation systems should be equipped with monitoring devices and alarms to ensure that any faults can be quickly identified and promptly rectified.

Clear instructions on emergency procedures should be prominently displayed. Alarms are recommended for water tanks for fish and other aquatic animals in case of failure of the water or air supply. Care should be taken to ensure that the operation of an alarm system causes as little disturbance as possible to the animals.

3. EDUCATION AND TRAINING

All persons involved in caring for, or otherwise involved with, animals being bred, held or used for experimental or other scientific purposes should be appropriately educated and trained to the standard recommended in the Resolution on education and training of persons working with laboratory animals adopted by the Multilateral Consultation of the Parties to the Council of Europe Convention ETS No 123 on 3 December 1993.

4. CARE

4.1. Health

4.1.1. Animals within an animal facility are totally dependent on humans for their health and well-being. The physical and psychological state of the animals will be influenced by their local environment, food, water and the care and attention provided by the animal care staff. A strategy should be in place in all establishments to ensure that an appropriate health status is maintained, which safeguards animal welfare and meets scientific requirements. This strategy should include a microbiological surveillance programme, plans for dealing with health breakdowns, and should define health parameters and procedures for the introduction of new animals.

4.1.2. The person responsible for the establishment should ensure regular inspection of the animals and supervision of the accommodation and care by a veterinarian or other competent person. Inspection of the animals should be made at least daily by a person trained in accordance with paragraph 3 of the General section, to ensure that all sick or injured animals are identified and appropriate action taken. Regular health monitoring should be carried out.

4.1.3. Because of the potential risk of contamination of animals and staff presented by the handling of animals, particular attention should be paid to the institution of hygiene procedures and supervision of staff health.

4.2. Capture from the wild

4.2.1. When animals need to be captured, it should only be done by humane methods and by persons competent to apply them. The impact of the capturing procedures on the remaining wildlife and habitats should be minimised.

4.2.2. Any animal found, at or after capture, to be injured or in poor health should be examined by a competent person as soon as possible, and appropriate action taken. This may require referral to a veterinarian for treatment, or, in the case of serious injury, the animal should be killed immediately by a humane method, in line with the principles set out in the European Commission Recommendations for the euthanasia of experimental animals (Part 1 and Part 2). Appropriate and sufficient transport containers and means of transport should be available at capture sites, in case animals need to be moved for examination or treatment.

4.2.3. Special consideration should be given to the acclimatisation, quarantine, housing, husbandry and care of wild caught animals. The eventual fate of wild caught animals following the conclusion of scientific procedures should also be given due consideration before the work begins. This is to ensure that the practical difficulties and welfare issues associated with any subsequent release to the wild can be satisfactorily addressed.

4.3. Transport of animals

4.3.1. For animals, transportation is a stressful experience which should be mitigated as far as possible. The following principles should apply to all animal movements, from short journeys by vehicle within scientific establishments to international transportation. When Council Regulation (EC) 1/2005 (1) is applied, regard should be paid to the Resolution on the acquisition and transport of laboratory animals, adopted by the May 1997 Multilateral Consultation of the Parties to Council of Europe Convention (ETS No 123).

4.3.2. Both sender and recipient should agree the conditions of transport, departure and arrival times to ensure that full preparation can be made for the animals' arrival. The sender should ensure that the animals are examined and found to be fit for transport before being placed in the transport container.

4.3.3. Animals that are sick or injured should not be considered fit for transport, except for slightly injured or sick animals whose transport would not cause additional suffering, or where the transport is under veterinary supervision for, or following, veterinary treatment. Sick or injured animals may also be transported for experimental or other scientific purposes approved by the relevant competent authority, if the illness or injury is part of the research programme. No additional suffering should be imposed by the transport of such animals, and particular attention should be paid to any additional care which may be required. A competent person should confirm that such animals are fit for the intended journey.

4.3.4. The person responsible for the transport of the animals has the overall control over the organisation, carrying out and completion of the whole journey, regardless of whether duties are subcontracted to other Parties during transport.

4.3.5. The person in charge of the welfare of the animals has direct physical responsibility for the care of the animals during transport. Such a person may be the attendant or the driver of a vehicle if fulfilling the same role. The person in charge of the welfare of animals being transported should be aware of the special needs of the laboratory animals in their care.

4.3.6. The route should be planned in order to ensure that the transport is carried out efficiently to minimise journey time, from loading to unloading, and to avoid delays in order to limit any stress and suffering of the animals. Care is needed to ensure that animals are maintained under suitable environmental conditions for the species, and that measures are taken to minimise sudden movements, excessive noise, or vibration during transport.

4.3.7. Where appropriate, the container should be designed to prevent or restrict the entry or spread of micro-organisms. It should allow visual inspection of the animals without compromising the microbiological status of the animals.

4.3.8. On arrival at their destination the animals should be removed from their transport containers and examined by a competent person with the least possible delay. Animals, which are sick, injured or otherwise out of condition, should be kept under close observation and housed separately from other animals. These animals should be provided with veterinary treatment as appropriate or, if deemed necessary, promptly killed by a humane method.

4.4. Quarantine, acclimatisation and isolation

The objectives of quarantine and isolation periods are:

a. to protect other animals in the establishment;

b. to protect man against zoonotic infection; and

c. together with an acclimatisation period, to foster good scientific practice.

According to the circumstances, these periods may vary and are either determined by the national regulations of the Member State, or a competent person normally the veterinarian appointed by the establishment.

Quarantine

Quarantine is considered as a period of housing newly introduced or reintroduced animals separate from existing animals in the establishment to establish the state of health of the animals and to prevent the introduction of disease. Such a period is recommended when the health status of the animal is not known.

Acclimatisation

A period of acclimatisation is needed to allow animals to recover from transport stress, to become accustomed to a new environment and to husbandry and care practices. Even when the animals are seen to be in good health, it is necessary for them to undergo a period of acclimatisation before being used in a procedure. The time required depends on several factors, such as the stress to which the animals have been subjected which in turn depends on several factors such as the duration of the transportation and the age of the animal and change of the social environment. It should also be taken into account that international transport may necessitate an extended period of acclimatisation due to disturbance of the diurnal rhythm of the animals.

Isolation

A period of isolation is intended to reduce the risk of infection to other animals or humans. Any animal suspected of posing such a risk should be housed in a separate facility.

4.5. Housing and enrichment

4.5.1. Introduction

All animals should be allowed adequate space to express a wide behavioural repertoire. Animals should be socially housed wherever possible and provided with an adequately complex environment within the animal enclosure to enable them to carry out a range of normal behaviours. Restricted environments can lead to behavioural and physiological abnormalities and affect the validity of scientific data.

Consideration should be given to the potential impact of the type of accommodation, and that of the environmental and social enrichment programmes, on the outcome of scientific studies, in order to avoid the generation of invalid scientific data and consequential animal wastage.

The housing and enrichment strategies used in breeding, supplying and user establishments should be designed to fulfil the needs of the species housed and to ensure that the animals can make the best use of the space available. Their design should also take into account the need to observe the animals with minimum disruption and to facilitate handling. Suggested minimum animal enclosure sizes and space allowances are included in the subsequent individual species sections.

Unless otherwise specified, additional surface areas provided by enclosure additions, such as shelves, should be provided in addition to the recommended minimum floor areas.

4.5.2. Housing

Animals, except those which are naturally solitary, should be socially housed in stable groups of compatible individuals. Single housing should only occur if there is justification on veterinary or welfare grounds. Single housing on experimental grounds should be determined in consultation with the animal technician and with the competent person charged with advisory duties in relation to the well-being of the animals. In such circumstances, additional resources should be targeted to the welfare and care of these animals. In such cases, the duration should be limited to the minimum period necessary and, where possible, visual, auditory, olfactory and tactile contact should be maintained. The introduction or re-introduction of animals to established groups should be carefully monitored by adequately trained staff, to avoid problems of incompatibility and disrupted social relationships. The possibility of social housing should be promoted by purchasing compatible individuals when procuring animals of gregarious species.

4.5.3. Enrichment

All animals should be provided with sufficient space of adequate complexity to allow expression of a wide range of normal behaviour. They should be given a degree of control and choice over their environment to reduce stress-induced behaviour. This may be achieved by using appropriate enrichment techniques, which extend the range of activities available to the animal and increase their coping activities. In addition to social activities, enrichment can be achieved by allowing and promoting physical exercise, foraging, manipulative and cognitive activities, as appropriate to the species. It is advisable to allow the animals to exercise at every possible opportunity. Environmental enrichment in animal enclosures should be appropriate to the species-specific and individual needs of the animals concerned. Forms of enrichment should be adaptable so that innovation based on new understanding may be incorporated. The enrichment programme should be regularly reviewed and updated. The staff responsible for animal care should understand the natural behaviour and biology of the species, so that they can make sensible and informed choices on enrichment. They should be aware that all enrichment initiatives are not necessarily to the advantage of the animal and therefore should monitor their effects and adjust the programme as required.

4.5.4. Animal enclosures

Animal enclosures should not be made out of materials detrimental to the health of the animals. Their design and construction should be such that no injury to the animals is caused. Unless they are disposable, they should be made from materials that will withstand cleaning and decontamination techniques. In particular, attention should be given to the design of animal enclosure floors, which should be appropriate to the species and age of the animals and be designed to facilitate the removal of excreta.

4.6. Feeding

4.6.1. The form, content and presentation of the diet should meet the nutritional and behavioural needs of the animal. For some species, the opportunity for foraging should be given. Roughage is an important component of the diet for some species of animals, as well as a means of satisfying some behavioural needs.

4.6.2. The animals' diet should be palatable and non-contaminated. In the selection of raw materials, production, preparation and presentation of feed, precautions should be taken to minimise chemical, physical and microbiological contamination. The feed should be packed in bags that provide clear information on the identity of the product and its date of production. An expiry date should be clearly defined by the manufacturer and adhered to. Packing, transport and storage should also be such as to avoid contamination, deterioration or destruction. Storerooms should be cool, dark, dry and vermin- and insect-proof. Perishable feed like greens, vegetables, fruit, meat, fish should be stored in cold rooms, refrigerators or freezers. All feed hoppers, troughs or other utensils used for feeding should be regularly cleaned and, if necessary, sterilised. If moist feed is used, or if the feed is easily contaminated with for example water or urine, daily cleaning is necessary.

4.6.3. Each animal should be able to access the food, with sufficient feeding space provided to limit competition. In some circumstances, food intake may need to be controlled to avoid obesity.

4.7. Watering

4.7.1. Uncontaminated drinking water should always be available to all animals. Water is, however, a vehicle for micro-organisms, and the supply should therefore be so arranged that the contamination risk is minimised.

4.7.2. Watering systems should be designed and used to provide an adequate quantity of water of suitable quality. Sufficient watering points (drinkers) should be available. When automatic watering systems are used, their functioning should be regularly checked, serviced and flushed to avoid accidents, such as blockages or leakages and the spread of infections. If solid-bottomed cages are used, care should be taken to minimise the risk of flooding.

4.7.3. In fishes, amphibians and reptiles, tolerance for acidity, chlorine and many other chemicals differs widely from species to species. Therefore provision should be made to adapt the water supply for aquaria and tanks to the needs and tolerance limits of the individual species.

4.8. Flooring, substrate, litter, bedding and nesting material

4.8.1. Appropriate bedding materials or sleeping structures should always be provided for animals, as well as appropriate nesting materials or structures for breeding animals. Various materials are commonly placed into the animal enclosure to serve the following functions: to absorb urine and faeces, and thus facilitate cleaning; to allow the animal to perform certain species-specific behaviour, such as foraging, digging or burrowing; to provide a comfortable, yielding surface or secure area for sleeping; to allow the animal to build a nest for breeding purposes. Certain materials may not serve all of these needs, and it is therefore important to provide sufficient and appropriate materials. Any such materials should be dry, absorbent, dust-free, non-toxic and free from infectious agents or vermin and other forms of contamination. Materials derived from wood that has been chemically treated or containing toxic natural substances as well as products which cannot be clearly defined and standardised should be avoided.

4.8.2. Within the animal enclosure, the flooring should provide a solid, comfortable resting area for all animals. All sleeping areas should be kept clean and dry.

4.9. Cleaning

4.9.1. The standard of a facility, including good husbandry, depends very much on good hygiene. A very high standard of cleanliness and order should also be maintained in holding, washing and storage rooms. Adequate routines for the cleaning, washing, decontamination and, when necessary, sterilisation of enclosures and accessories, bottles and other equipment should be established and carried out.

4.9.2. These cleaning and disinfection regimes should not be detrimental to animal health or welfare. Clear operating procedures, including a recording system, should be in place for the changing of bedding in animal enclosures.

4.9.3. There should be regular cleaning and, where appropriate, renewal of the materials forming the ground surface in animal enclosures to avoid them becoming a source of infection and parasite infestation.

4.9.4. Odour-marking is an important form of behaviour in some species, and cleaning disturbances will cause some degree of social disruption. Cleaning regimes should have regard for these behavioural needs. Decisions on frequency of cleaning should be based on the type of animal enclosure, the type of animal, the stocking density, and the ability of the ventilation system to maintain suitable air quality.

4.10. Handling

The quality of care animals are given in the laboratory may influence not only breeding success, growth rate and welfare, but also the quality and outcome of experimental procedures. Accustoming animals to competent and confident handling during routine husbandry and procedures reduces stress both to animals and personnel. For some species, for example dogs and non-human primates, a training programme to encourage cooperation during procedures can be beneficial to the animals, the animal care staff and the scientific programme. For certain species, social contact with humans should be a priority.

However, in some cases, handling should be avoided. This may be particularly the case with wild animals, and is one reason why wild animals can be less suitable as experimental subjects. Staff caring for animals are expected, at all times, to have a caring and respectful attitude towards the animals in their care, and to be proficient in the handling and restraint of the animals.

Where appropriate, staff time should be set aside for talking to, handling, training and grooming animals.

4.11. Humane killing

4.11.1. All humane methods of killing animals require expertise, which can only be attained by appropriate training. Animals should be killed using a method that adheres to the principles set by the European Commission Recommendations for the euthanasia of experimental animals (Part 1 and Part 2).

4.11.2. A deeply unconscious animal can be exsanguinated, but drugs which paralyse muscles before unconsciousness occurs, drugs with curariform effects and electrocution without passage of current through the brain, should not be used without prior anaesthesia. Disposal should not be allowed until death has been confirmed.

4.12. Records

Records of source, use and final disposal of all animals bred, kept for breeding, or for subsequent supply for use in scientific procedures should be used not only for statistical purposes but, in conjunction with health and breeding records, as indicators of animal welfare and for husbandry and planning purposes.

4.13. Identification

In some instances, it is necessary for animals to be individually identified, for example, when being used for breeding purposes or scientific procedures, to enable accurate records to be kept. The method chosen should be reliable and cause the minimum pain and discomfort to the animal when applied and in the long-term. Sedatives or local anaesthetics and analgesics should be used if necessary. Staff should be trained in carrying out the identification and marking techniques.

SPECIES-SPECIFIC SECTION

A. SPECIES-SPECIFIC GUIDELINES FOR RODENTS

1. Introduction

Mice

The laboratory mouse is derived from the wild house mouse (Mus musculus) a largely nocturnal burrowing and climbing animal which builds nests for regulation of the microenvironment, shelter and reproduction. Mice are good climbers. Mice do not readily cross open spaces, preferring to remain close to walls or other structures. A wide range of social organisations has been observed depending on population density and intense territoriality may be seen in reproductively active males. Pregnant and lactating females may prove aggressive in nest defence. As mice, particularly albino strains, have poor sight they rely heavily on their sense of smell and create patterns of urine markings in their environment. Mice also have very acute hearing and are sensitive to ultrasound. There are considerable differences in the expression and intensity of behaviour depending on the strain.

Rats

The laboratory rat is derived from the wild brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) and is a highly social animal. Rats avoid open spaces, and use urine to mark territory. Their sense of smell and hearing are highly developed, and rats are particularly sensitive to ultrasound. Daylight vision is poor, but dim-light vision is effective in some pigmented strains. Albino rats avoid areas with light levels over 25 lux. Activity is greater during hours of darkness. Young animals are very exploratory and often engage in social play.

Gerbils

The gerbil or Mongolian jird (Meriones sp.) is a social animal and is largely nocturnal, although in the laboratory it is also active during daylight. In the wild, gerbils build burrows with tunnel entrances as a protection against predators, and in the laboratory often develop stereotypic digging behaviour unless provided with adequate facilities.

Hamsters

The wild ancestors (Mesocricetus sp.) of the laboratory hamster are largely solitary. The female hamster is larger and more aggressive than the male and can inflict serious injury on her mate. Hamsters often make a latrine area within the enclosure, mark areas with secretions from a flank gland, and females frequently selectively reduce the size of their own litter by cannibalism.

Guinea Pigs

Wild guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) are social, cursorial rodents which do not burrow, but live under cover and may use burrows made by other animals. Adult males may be aggressive to each other, but generally aggression is rare. Guinea pigs tend to freeze at unexpected sounds and may stampede as a group in response to sudden unexpected movements. Guinea pigs are extremely sensitive to being moved and may freeze as a result for thirty minutes or more.

2. The environment and its control

2.1. Ventilation

(See paragraph 2.1. of the General section)

2.2. Temperature

Rodents should be maintained within a temperature range of 20 oC to 24 oC. Local temperatures among groups of rodents in solid-floored enclosures will often be higher than room temperatures. Even with adequate ventilation the enclosure temperatures may be up to 6 oC above room temperature. Nesting material/nestboxes give animals the opportunity to control their own microclimate. Special attention should be paid to the temperature in containment systems as well as to that provided for hairless animals.

2.3. Humidity

The relative humidity in rodent facilities should be kept at 45 to 65 %. Excepted from this principle are gerbils, which should be kept at a relative humidity of 35 to 55 %.

2.4. Lighting

Light levels within the enclosure should be low. All racks should have shaded tops to reduce the risk of retinal degeneration. This is of particular importance for albino animals.

A period of red light at frequencies undetectable to the rodents can be useful during the dark period so that staff can monitor the rodents in their active phase.

2.5. Noise

As rodents are very sensitive to ultrasound, and use it for communication, it is important that this extraneous noise is minimised. Ultrasonic noise (over 20 kHz) produced by many common laboratory fittings, including dripping taps, trolley wheels and computer monitors, can cause abnormal behaviour and breeding cycles. It may be advisable to monitor the acoustic environment over a broad range of frequencies and over extended time periods.

2.6. Alarm systems

(See paragraph 2.6. of the General section)

3. Health

(See paragraphs 4.1. and 4.4. of the General section)

4. Housing, enrichment and care

4.1. Housing

Gregarious species should be group-housed as long as the groups are stable and harmonious. Such groups can be achieved, although it is difficult, when housing male mice, adult hamsters or gerbils, as this can result in severe conspecific aggression.

Animals may be housed individually if adverse effects or damage are likely to occur. Disruption of established stable and harmonious groups should be minimised, as this can be very stressful.

4.2. Enrichment

The enclosures and their enrichment should allow the animals to manifest normal behaviours and to enable conspecifics to reduce competitive situations adequately.

Bedding and nesting material and refuges are very important resources for rodents in breeding, stock or under procedure and should be provided unless there is a justification on veterinary or welfare grounds against doing so. Withholding of such materials on experimental grounds should be agreed with the animal technician and with the competent person charged with advisory duties in relation to the well-being of the animals. Nesting materials should allow the rodents to manipulate the material and construct a nest. Nest boxes should be provided if insufficient nesting material is provided for the animals to build a complete, covered nest. Bedding materials should absorb urine and may be used by the rodents to lay down urine marks. Nesting material is important for rats, mice, hamsters and gerbils as it enables them to create appropriate microenvironments for resting and breeding. Nest boxes or other refuges are important for guinea pigs, hamsters and rats.

Guinea pigs should always be provided with manipulable materials such as hay for chewing and concealment.

Wood sticks for chewing and gnawing may be considered for enrichment for all rodent species.

Many rodent species attempt to divide up their own enclosures into areas for feeding, resting, urination and food storage. These divisions may be based on odour marks rather than physical division but partial barriers may be beneficial to allow the animals to initiate or avoid contact with other group members. To increase environmental complexity the addition of some form of enclosure enrichment is strongly recommended. Tubes, boxes and climbing racks are examples of devices which have been used successfully for rodents, and these can have the added benefit of increasing utilisable floor area.

Gerbils need comparatively more space than other rodent species in order to allow them to build and/or use burrows of sufficient size. Gerbils require a thick layer of litter for digging and nesting or a burrow substitute, which needs to be at least 20 cm long.

Consideration should be given to the use of translucent or tinted enclosures and inserts which permit good observation of the animals without disturbing them.

The same principles regarding quality and quantity of space, environmental enrichment and other considerations in this document should apply to containment systems such as individually ventilated cages (IVCs), although the design of the system may mean that these may have to be approached differently.

4.3. Enclosures — dimensions and flooring

The enclosures should be made of easy-to-clean materials and their design should allow proper inspection of the animals without causing disturbance to them.

Once young animals become active they require proportionally more space than adults do.

4.3.1. Dimensions

In this and subsequent tables for all rodent recommendations ‘enclosure height’ means the vertical distance between the enclosure floor and the top of the enclosure, and this height should apply over more than 50 % of the minimum enclosure floor area prior to the addition of enrichment devices.

When designing procedures, consideration should be given to the potential growth of the animals to ensure adequate space is provided (as detailed in Tables A.1. to A.5) for the duration of the study.

Table A.1.

Mice: Minimum enclosure dimensions and space allowances

Body weight (g) Minimum enclosure size (cm2) Floor area per animal (cm2) Minimum enclosure height (cm) In stock and during procedures up to 20 330 60 12 over 20 to 25 330 70 12 over 25 to 30 330 80 12 over 30 330 100 12 Breeding 330 For a monogamous pair (outbred/inbred) or a trio (inbred). For each additional female plus litter 180 cm2 should be added. 12 Stock at breeders (2) Enclosure size 950 cm2 less than 20 950 40 12 Enclosure size 1 500 cm2 less than 20 1 500 30 12





Table A.2.

Rats: Minimum enclosure dimensions and space allowances

Body weight (g) Minimum enclosure size (cm2) Floor area per animal (cm2) Minimum enclosure height (cm) In stock and during procedures (3) up to 200 800 200 18 over 200 to 300 800 250 18 over 300 to 400 800 350 18 over 400 to 600 800 450 18 over 600 1 500 600 18 Breeding 800 Mother and litter. For each additional adult animal permanently added to the enclosure add 400 cm2 18 Stock at breeders (4) up to 50 1 500 100 18 over 50 to 100 1 500 125 18 Enclosure size 1 500 cm2 over 100 to 150 1 500 150 18 over 150 to 200 1 500 175 18 Stock at breeders (4) up to 100 2 500 100 18 over 100 to 150 2 500 125 18 Enclosure size 2 500 cm2 over 150 to 200 2 500 150 18





Table A.3.

Gerbils: Minimum enclosure dimensions and space allowances

Body weight (g) Minimum enclosure size (cm2) Floor area per animal (cm2) Minimum enclosure height (cm) In stock and during procedures up to 40 1 200 150 18 over 40 1 200 250 18 Breeding 1 200 18 Monogamous pair or trio with offspring





Table A.4.

Hamsters: Minimum enclosure dimensions and space allowances

Body weight (g) Minimum enclosure size (cm2) Floor area per animal (cm2) Minimum enclosure height (cm) In stock and during procedures up to 60 800 150 14 over 60 to 100 800 200 14 over 100 800 250 14 Breeding 800 Mother or monogamous pair with litter 14 Stock at breeders (5) less than 60 1 500 100 14





Table A.5.

Guinea pigs: Minimum enclosure dimensions and space allowances

Body weight (g) Minimum enclosure size (cm2) Floor area per animal (cm2) Minimum enclosure height (cm) In stock and during procedures up to 200 1 800 200 23 over 200 to 300 1 800 350 23 over 300 to 450 1 800 500 23 over 450 to 700 2 500 700 23 over 700 2 500 900 23 Breeding 2 500 Pair with litter. For each additional breeding female add 1 000 cm2 23

4.3.2. Flooring

Solid floors with bedding or perforated floors are preferable to grid or wire mesh floors. If grids or wire mesh are used, a solid or bedded area or, as an alternative in the case of guinea pigs, a slatted area, should be provided for the animals to rest on unless specific experimental conditions prevent this. Bedding may be withheld as part of time-mating practices.

As mesh floors can lead to serious injuries, the floors should be closely inspected and maintained to ensure that there are no loose or sharp projections.

During late pregnancy, parturition and lactation, breeding females should only be kept on solid floors with bedding.

4.4. Feeding

(See paragraph 4.6. of the General section)

4.5. Watering

(See paragraph 4.7. of the General section)

4.6. Substrate, litter, bedding and nesting material

(See paragraph 4.8. of the General section)

4.7. Cleaning

Although high hygiene standards should be maintained, it may be advisable to maintain some odour cues left by animals. Too frequent changing of enclosures should be avoided, particularly where pregnant animals and females with litters are concerned, as such disturbances can result in mis-mothering or cannibalism.

Decisions on frequency of cleaning should therefore be based on the type of the enclosure, type of animal, stocking densities, and the ability of ventilation systems to maintain suitable air quality.

4.8. Handling

When handling, care needs to be taken to minimise disturbance of the animals or their enclosure environment. This is of particular importance with hamsters.

4.9. Humane killing

(See paragraph 4.11. of the General section)

4.10. Records

(See paragraph 4.12. of the General section)

4.11. Identification

(See paragraph 4.13. of the General section)

B. SPECIES-SPECIFIC GUIDELINES FOR RABBITS

1. Introduction

The rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculi) is a naturally gregarious species. Rabbits should be allowed adequate space and an enriched environment, the denial of which can result in loss of normal locomotor activity and in skeletal abnormalities.

2. The environment and its control

2.1. Ventilation

(See paragraph 2.1. of the General section)

2.2. Temperature

Rabbits should be maintained in a temperature range of 15 oC to 21 oC. Local temperatures among groups of rabbits in solid-floored enclosures will often be higher than room temperatures. Even with adequate ventilation the enclosure temperatures may be up to 6 oC above room temperature.

Nesting material/nestboxes give animals the opportunity to control their own microclimate. Special attention should be paid to the temperature in containment systems.

2.3. Humidity

The relative humidity in rabbit facilities should not be less than 45 %.

2.4. Lighting

(See paragraph 2.4. of the General section)

2.5. Noise

(See paragraph 2.5. of the General section)

2.6. Alarm systems

(See paragraph 2.6. of the General section)

3. Health

(See paragraphs 4.1. and 4.4. of the General section)

4. Housing, enrichment and care

4.1. Housing

Young and female rabbits should be housed in harmonious social groups. Single housing should only occur if there is justification on veterinary or welfare grounds. Single housing on experimental grounds should be determined in consultation with the animal technician and with the competent person charged with advisory duties in relation to the well-being of the animals. Adult entire males may perform territorial behaviour and should not be housed with other entire males. Enriched floor pens have been used with success to house young rabbits and adult female rabbits although groups may need to be carefully managed to avoid aggression. Ideally rabbits for group housing should be littermates that have been kept together since weaning. Where individuals cannot be group-housed, consideration should be given to housing them in close visual contact.

4.2. Enrichment

Suitable enrichment for rabbits includes roughage, hay blocks or chew sticks as well as an area for withdrawal. In floor pens for group housing, visual barriers and structures to provide refuges and look out behaviour should be provided. For breeding does nesting material and a nestbox should also be provided.

4.3. Enclosures — dimensions and flooring

It is preferable for enclosures to be rectangular. A raised area should be provided within the enclosure. This raised area should allow the animal to lie and sit and easily move underneath, but should not cover more than 40 % of the floor space. While the enclosure height should be sufficient for the rabbit to sit upright without its ears touching the roof of the enclosure, this degree of clearance is not considered necessary for the raised area. If there are good scientific or veterinary reasons for not using a shelf then the enclosure should be 33 % larger for a single rabbit and 60 % larger for two rabbits. Wherever it is possible, rabbits should be kept in pens.

4.3.1. Dimensions

Table B.1.

Rabbits over 10 weeks of age: Minimum enclosure dimensions and space allowances

Final body weight (kg) Minimum floor area for one or two socially harmonious animals (cm2) Minimum height (cm) Less than 3 3 500 45 from 3 to 5 4 200 45 over 5 5 400 60

The table is to be used for both cages and pens. In cages a raised area should be provided (see Table B.4.). Pens should contain structures that subdivide the space to allow animals to initiate or avoid social contact. The additional floor area is 3 000 cm2 per rabbit for the third, the fourth, the fifth and the sixth rabbit, while 2 500 cm2 should be added for each additional rabbit above a number of six.

Table B.2.

Doe plus litter: Minimum enclosure dimensions and space allowances

Doe weight (kg) Minimum enclosure size (cm2) Addition for nestboxes (cm2) Minimum height (cm) Less than 3 3 500 1 000 45 from 3 to 5 4 200 1 200 45 over 5 5 400 1 400 60

At least three to four days before giving birth, does should be provided with an extra compartment or a nestbox in which they can build a nest. The nestbox should preferably be outside the enclosure. Straw or other nesting material should be provided. The enclosure should be designed so that the doe can move to another compartment or raised area away from her pups after they have left the nest. After weaning, the littermates should stay together in their breeding enclosure as long as possible. Up to eight littermates may be kept in the breeding enclosure from weaning until seven weeks old, and five littermates may be kept on the minimum floor area from eight to ten weeks of age.

Table B.3.

Rabbits less than 10 weeks of age: Minimum enclosure dimensions and space allowances

Age Minimum enclosure size (cm2) Minimum floor area per animal (cm2) Minimum height (cm) Weaning to 7 weeks 4 000 800 40 From 7 to 10 weeks 4 000 1 200 40

The table is to be used for both cages and pens. Pens should contain structures that subdivide the space to allow animals to initiate or avoid social contact. After weaning, the littermates should stay together in their breeding enclosure as long as possible.

Table B.4.

Rabbits: Optima dimensions for raised areas for enclosures having the dimensions indicated in Table B.1.

Age in Weeks Final body weight (kg) Optimum size (cm × cm) Optimum height from the enclosure floor (cm) less than 3 55 × 25 25 from 3 to 5 55 × 30 25 Over 10 over 5 60 × 35 30

To allow proper use of the raised area and of the enclosure as a whole the dimensions given above for the raised area size and height are optima, with very close minima and maxima (within 10 % of optimum size). If there are scientific or veterinary justifications for not providing a raised area then the floor area should be 33 % larger for a single rabbit and 60 % larger for two rabbits, to facilitate the rabbit's locomotor activities and to enhance the opportunity to escape from a more dominant animal.

Where a raised area is provided for rabbits of less than 10 weeks of age, the optimum size of the raised area should be 55 × 25 cm and the height above the floor should be such that the animals can make use of it.

4.3.2. Flooring

Wire floors should not be used without the provision of a resting area large enough to hold all the rabbits at any one time. Solid floors with bedding or perforated floors are preferable to grid or wire mesh floors.

4.4. Feeding

(See paragraph 4.6. of the General section)

4.5. Watering

(See paragraph 4.7. of the General section)

4.6. Substrate, litter, bedding and nesting material

(See paragraph 4.8. of the General section)

4.7. Cleaning

(See paragraph 4.9. of the General section)

4.8. Handling

(See paragraph 4.10. of the General section)

4.9. Humane killing

(See paragraph 4.11. of the General section)

4.10. Records

(See paragraph 4.12. of the General section)

4.11. Identification

(See paragraph 4.13. of the General section)

C. SPECIES-SPECIFIC GUIDELINES FOR CATS

1. Introduction

The domestic cat is derived from the solitary African wild cat (Felis silvestris libyca), but has a strong tendency to learn social behaviour. With appropriate socialisation provided at an early age, such behaviour can be expressed both to conspecifics and man.

Good social interaction with humans encourage suitable temperament for subsequent studies. However, as cats lack dominance hierarchies and appear to lack mechanisms for reconciliation post-conflict, forming social relationships may be stressful. Visible signs that cats are stressed are not as straightforward to interpret as are those in dogs.

As cats are territorial and become attached to particular locations they are likely to be stressed by relocation. Cats are excellent climbers and utilise raised structures (e.g. shelves) extensively, both as vantage points and, when housed in groups, to maintain a distance from other cats.

2. The environment and its control

2.1. Ventilation

(See paragraph 2.1. of the General section)

2.2. Temperature

Cats may be maintained within a wide temperature range provided that their welfare is not compromised. A temperature range of 15 oC to 21 oC should be maintained when precise control is required for cats under procedure (see paragraph 2.2.3 of the General Section).

As kittens have limited thermoregulatory control for around the first ten days of life, additional local heating should be provided during this period.

2.3. Humidity

It is considered unnecessary to control relative humidity, as cats can be exposed to wide fluctuations of ambient relative humidity without adverse effects.

2.4. Lighting

Holding of cats under the natural twenty-four-hour light-dark cycle is acceptable. Where the light part of the photoperiod is provided by artificial lighting, this should be within a range of ten to twelve hours daily.

If natural light is totally excluded, low level night lighting (5 to 10 lux) should be provided to allow cats to retain some vision and to take account of their startle reflex.

2.5. Noise

(See paragraph 2.5. of the General section)

2.6. Alarm systems

(See paragraph 2.6. of the General section)

3. Health

(See paragraphs 4.1. and 4.4. of the General section)

4. Housing, enrichment and care

4.1. Housing

Female cats and neutered cats of both sexes are generally sociable and are commonly held in groups of up to twelve. However, the establishment of groups of two or more such cats requires careful monitoring of the compatibility of all individuals in the group. Special care is needed when regrouping cats, introducing an unfamiliar cat to a group, housing un-neutered males in a group or maintaining cats in larger groups.

Where cats are normally group-housed, single-housing may be a significant stress factor. Therefore, cats should not be single-housed for more than twenty-four hours without justification on veterinary or welfare grounds. Single housing for more than twenty-four hours on experimental grounds should be determined in consultation with the animal technician and with the competent person charged with advisory duties in relation to the well-being of the animals.

Cats which are repeatedly aggressive towards other cats should be housed singly only if a compatible companion cannot be found. Social stress in all pair- or group-housed individuals should be monitored at least weekly using an established behavioural and/or physiological stress scoring system. This is especially important for un-neutered males.

Females with kittens under four weeks of age or in the last two weeks of pregnancy may be housed singly. During this time, consideration should also be given to allowing females which are normally group-housed to have access to their group e.g. by connecting kittening enclosures to the group housing animal enclosures.

The development of social behaviour in cats is profoundly affected by social experience between two and eight weeks of age. During this period it is particularly important that the cat has social contacts with other cats (e.g. litter mates) and with humans and is familiarised with environmental conditions likely to be encountered during subsequent use. Daily handling during this sensitive stage of development is a prerequisite for the social behaviour of the adult cat and it has been shown that a short period of handling even on the first day after birth is of importance as the young animals are already able to respond to scent and tactile stimulation.

All cats should have a period of play and general social interactions with humans on a daily basis, plus additional time for regular grooming. Particular attention should be paid to social enrichment for single-housed cats by providing additional human contact.

4.2. Enrichment

Raised, part-enclosed structures should be provided (e.g. a bed with three walls and a roof on a shelf approximately one metre off the floor) to give the cats a view of their surroundings and, if pair- or group-housed, the opportunity to maintain a comfortable distance from other cats.There should be a sufficient number of these structures to minimise competition. Structures should be distributed within the enclosure so that animals can fully use the space available.

There should also be provision for the cats to seek refuge and privacy within their own enclosure and, in particular, away from the sight of cats in other enclosures. Vertical wooden surfaces should be provided to allow claw-sharpening and scent-marking.

Outside runs provide an environmental enrichment opportunity for cats in both breeding and user establishments and should be provided where possible.

Pseudo-predatory and play behaviour should be encouraged. A selection of toys should be available and these should be changed on a regular basis in order to ensure ongoing stimulation and avoid familiarity, which decreases the motivation to play.

4.3. Enclosures — dimensions and flooring

Enclosures, including the divisions between enclosures, should provide a robust and easy to clean environment for the cats. Their design and construction should seek to provide an open and light facility giving the cats comprehensive sight outside of their enclosure.

4.3.1. Dimensions

Table C.1.

Cats: Minimum enclosure dimensions and space allowances

Floor (6) (m2) Shelves (m2) Height (m) Minimum for one adult animal 1,5 0,5 2 For each additional animal add 0,75 0,25 —

The minimum space in which a queen and litter may be held is the space for a single cat, which should be gradually increased so that by four months of age litters have been re-housed to follow the above space requirements for adults. The normal age for weaning is seven to nine weeks.

Cats should never be forced to spend their entire lives outside and should always have access to an internal enclosure that meets all standards, including the minimum dimensions, detailed in these guidelines.

Areas for feeding and for litter trays should be not less than 0.5 metres apart and should not be interchanged.

Constraint in a space below the minimum requirement detailed above, such as in a metabolism cage or any similar type of housing for scientific purposes, may severely compromise the welfare of the animals. Such constraint should be for the minimum time and within a space that is as close as possible to that defined above and no less than that required for the animal to stretch fully horizontally and vertically, to lie down and turn around.

4.3.2. Flooring

The preferred flooring for cat enclosures is a solid continuous floor with a smooth non-slip finish. Additional enclosure furniture should provide all cats with a comfortable resting place.

Open flooring systems such as grids or mesh should not be used for cats. Where there is a justification for open flooring, great care should be taken in their design and construction in order to avoid pain, injury or disease and to allow the animals to manifest normal behaviours. Practical experience shows that metabolism cages are not always necessary as cat's urine and faeces can be collected directly from litter trays.

The quality and finish of the floor of an outside run need not be to the standard of the inside enclosure, providing it is easy to clean and not physically injurious to the cats.

4.4. Feeding

(See paragraph 4.6. of the General section)

4.5. Watering

(See paragraph 4.7. of the General section)

4.6. Substrate, litter, bedding and nesting material

At least one litter tray of minimum dimension 300 × 400 mm should be provided for every two cats and should contain a suitable absorbent and non-toxic litter or substrate material that is acceptable to and used by the cats. If urine and faeces are regularly deposited outside the trays, additional trays containing alternative substrates should be provided. If this is ineffective in pair- or group-housed cats, social incompatibility is indicated and cats should be removed from the group one at a time until the problem is resolved.

Sufficient beds should be provided for all cats and should be made of a suitable easy to clean material. These beds should contain bedding material such as polyester fleece or similar bedding material.

4.7. Cleaning

Each occupied enclosure should be cleaned at least daily; Litter trays should be emptied daily and litter material replaced.

Cleaning of enclosures should not result in cats becoming wet. When enclosures are hosed down, the cats should be removed from the enclosure to a dry place and returned only when it is reasonably dry.

4.8. Handling

For cats, close contact with the persons caring for them is crucial, especially for single-housed cats.

4.9. Humane killing

(See paragraph 4.11. of the General section)

4.10. Records

(See paragraph 4.12. of the General section)

4.11. Identification

(See paragraph 4.13. of the General section)

D. SPECIES-SPECIFIC GUIDELINES FOR DOGS

1. Introduction

The domestic dog (Canis familiaris) is an inquisitive and highly social animal which actively seeks information about its surroundings, reflecting the behaviour of its ancestors in the wolf family. Although much of the day is spent resting, the dog requires a complex physical and social environment during the active phase.

Bitches seek solitude in a quiet area for parturition and rearing of young.

As aggression is a significant risk, care is needed to maintain dogs in socially harmonious groups. The recommendations provided are for the beagle, the most commonly used breed. Account should be taken of individual breed characteristics if other breeds are used.

2. The environment and its control

2.1. Ventilation

(See paragraph 2.1 of the General section)

2.2. Temperature

Dogs may be maintained within a wide temperature range provided that their welfare is not compromised. A temperature range of 15 oC to 21 oC should be maintained when precise control is required for dogs under procedure (see paragraph 2.2.3 of the General Section).

As puppies have limited thermoregulatory control in the first ten days or so of life, additional local heating should be provided within the whelping enclosure.

2.3. Humidity

It is considered unnecessary to control relative humidity, as dogs can be exposed to wide fluctuations of ambient relative humidity without adverse effects.

2.4. Lighting

The holding of dogs under the natural twenty-four-hour light-dark cycle is acceptable. Where the light part of the photoperiod is provided by artificial lighting, this should be within a range of ten to twelve hours daily.

If natural light is totally excluded, low-level night lighting (5 to 10 lux) should be provided to allow dogs to retain some vision and to take account of their startle reflex.

2.5. Noise

Noise in dog kennels can reach high levels which are known to cause damage to humans, and which could affect dogs' health or physiology. For these reasons it is important to consider methods of reducing noise in dog facilities. By addressing the dogs' behavioural needs in the facility design, the level of vocalisation may be decreased. Much of the noise is generated by the dogs' own vocalisations, but may also be generated by husbandry operations within the facility and ingress from outside sources. Any source of noise that may stimulate further dog barking should therefore be limited as far as possible. Penetration of external noise can be reduced by appropriate siting of the facility and by appropriate architectural design. Noise generated within the facility can be reduced by noise absorbent materials or structures. Expert advice on noise reduction should be taken when designing or modifying dog accommodation.

2.6. Alarm systems

(See paragraph 2.6. of the General section)

3. Health

(See paragraphs 4.1. and 4.4. of the General section)

4. Housing, enrichment and care

4.1. Housing

Dogs should be housed in socially harmonious groups within the animal enclosure, unless the scientific procedures or welfare requirements make this impossible. Special care is needed when regrouping dogs or introducing an unfamiliar dog to a group. In all cases, groups should be monitored for social compatibility on an ongoing basis.

Outside runs provide an environmental enrichment opportunity for dogs in both breeding and user establishments and should be provided where possible.

Single-housing of dogs for even short periods can be a significant stress factor. Therefore, dogs should not be single-housed for more than four hours without justification on welfare or veterinary grounds. Single-housing for more than four hours on experimental grounds should be determined in consultation with the animal technician and with the competent person charged with advisory duties in relation to the well-being of the animals.

In such circumstances, additional resources should be targeted to the welfare and care of these dogs. Additional human socialisation time, and visual, auditory and, where possible, tactile contact with other dogs, should be provided for all single-housed animals on a daily basis.

Unless contra-indicated on scientific grounds, single-housed dogs should be allowed to exercise in a separate area with, if possible, other dogs, and with staff supervision and interaction, on a daily basis.

Stud dogs should, wherever possible, be housed in socially harmonious pairs or groups or with bitches. Peri-parturient bitches should only be moved to the whelping enclosure between one and two weeks of expected parturition. While in the whelping enclosure they should have additional daily human contact.

Social behaviour in dogs develops between four and twenty weeks of age. During this period it is particularly important that the dog has social contacts with littermates, adult dogs (e.g. the bitch) and with humans, and is familiarised with conditions likely to be encountered during subsequent use. Daily handling during this sensitive stage of development is a prerequisite for the social behaviour of the adult dog and it has been shown that a short period of handling, even from the first day after birth onwards, is of importance as the young animals are already able to respond to scent and tactile stimulation.

4.2. Enrichment

The design of indoor and outdoor enclosures should allow some privacy for the dogs and enable them to exercise some control over their social interactions.

Separate areas for different activities should be provided. This can be achieved by, for example, inclusion of raised platforms and pen sub-divisions.

Dog treats and toys afford welfare benefits to the animals, providing these are used sensibly and adequately monitored. As chewing is an important behaviour, items should be provided which meet this need.

The primary advantages of exercise are to allow additional opportunities for dogs to experience a complex and varied environment and to increase interaction with other dogs and humans. These will be particularly important where these needs cannot be fully met within the space provided by the animal enclosure. Therefore, unless contra-indicated on scientific or veterinary grounds, dogs should be removed to a separate area and allowed to exercise, with other dogs where possible, and with staff supervision and interaction, ideally on a daily basis.

4.3. Enclosures — dimensions and flooring

Animal enclosures, including the divisions between enclosures, should provide a robust and easy to clean environment for the dogs. In their design and construction they should seek to provide an open and light facility giving the dogs comprehensive sight of other dogs and staff, outside of their immediate animal enclosure.

4.3.1. Dimensions

These guidelines are intended to encourage the social housing of dogs and to permit adequate environment enrichment. It should be noted that within this concept and strategy every encouragement is given to holding dogs in large and socially-harmonious groups both to increase the available floor space and to enhance socialisation opportunities.

Dogs should never be forced to spend their entire lives outside and should at all times have access to an internal enclosure that meets the standards for construction and environmental control detailed in these guidelines. The internal enclosure should represent not less than 50 % of the minimum space to be made available to the dogs, as detailed in Table D.1 below.

The space allowances detailed below are based on the requirements of beagles, but it should be noted that allowances significantly in excess may be required for giant breeds such as St Bernards or Irish wolfhounds. For breeds other than the laboratory beagle, space allowances should be decided in consultation with veterinary staff and the responsible authority.

Table D.1.

Dogs: Minimum enclosure dimensions and space allowances

Weight (kg) Minimum enclosure size (m2) Minimum floor area for one or two animals (m2) For each additional animal add a minimum of (m2) Minimum height (m) Up to 20 4 4 2 2 over 20 4 8 4 2

Dogs that are pair or group housed may each be constrained to half the total space provided (2 m2 for a dog under 20 kg, 4 m2 for a dog over 20 kg) while they are undergoing procedures as defined in Directive 86/609/EEC, if this separation is essential for scientific purposes. The period for which a dog should be so constrained should be minimised and should not in any event exceed four hours. This provision is made to encourage pair housing (particularly in toxicology studies) while at the same time allowing for the need to monitor feed intake and perform post-dosing observations.

Any further social or physical constraint, such as in a metabolism cage or physical restraint in a sling, may severely compromise the welfare of the animals. Constraint in a metabolism cage or any similar type of housing for scientific purposes should be within a space that is as close as possible to that defined above and no less than that required for the animal to stretch fully, lie down and turn around.

4.3.2. Nursing bitches and litters, and puppies up to 7,5 kg

A nursing bitch and litter should have the same space allowance as a single bitch of equivalent weight. The whelping pen should be designed so that the bitch can move to an additional compartment or raised area away from the puppies.

The normal weaning age for puppies is six to nine weeks.

Table D.2.

Dogs: Minimum enclosure dimensions and space allowances for post-weaned stock

Weight of dog (kg) Minimum enclosure size (m2) Minimum floor area/animal (m2) Minimum height (m) Up to 5 4 0,5 2 over 5 to 10 4 1,0 2 over 10 to 15 4 1,5 2 over 15 to 20 4 2 2 over 20 8 4 2

4.3.3. Flooring

The preferred flooring for dog accommodation is a solid continuous floor with a smooth non-slip finish. All dogs should be provided with a comfortable, solid resting area, for example, by the use of enclosure furniture such as raised beds or platforms.

Open flooring systems such as grids or mesh should not be used for dogs. Where there is a justification for open flooring, great care should be taken in their design and construction in order to avoid pain, injury or disease and to allow the animals to manifest normal behaviours. If any welfare problems do arise which are related to the flooring, veterinary advice should be sought and, if necessary, the dogs relocated onto solid flooring.

Pre-weaned puppies and peri-parturient and suckling bitches should not be kept in an open floor system.

The quality and finish of the floor of an outside run need not be to the standard of the inside enclosure, providing it is easily cleanable and not injurious to the dogs.

4.4. Feeding

(See paragraph 4.6. of the General section)

4.5. Watering

(See paragraph 4.7. of the General section)

4.6. Substrate, litter, bedding and nesting material

When dogs are held on solid floors, some litter or substrate material facilitates cleaning and minimises the necessity for regular washing or hosing down.

Peri-parturient and suckling bitches should be provided with a bed and bedding material to support whelping and the nursing of puppies. Puppies also benefit from the provision of bedding materials, as may certain breeds such as the greyhound.

4.7. Cleaning

Each occupied enclosure should be cleaned at least daily. All excreta and soiled materials should be removed from all areas used by dogs at least daily, and more frequently if necessary.

Wet cleaning by hosing down of enclosures should be carried out as necessary but should not result in the dogs becoming wet. When enclosures are hosed down, the dogs should be removed from the enclosure to a dry place and returned only when it is reasonably dry.

4.8. Handling

(See paragraph 4.1. above and paragraph 4.10. of the General section)

4.9. Humane killing

(See paragraph 4.11. of the General section)

4.10. Records

(See paragraph 4.12. of the General section)

4.11. Identification

(See paragraph 4.13. of the General section)

E. SPECIES-SPECIFIC GUIDELINES FOR FERRETS

1. Introduction

Ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) are carnivores which under natural conditions feed on small mammals, birds, fish and invertebrates. They have complex hunting behaviour and tend to hoard food, but will not eat decayed matter.

Although in the wild the ferret is generally a solitary animal, there seem to be welfare benefits if they are housed in socially harmonious groups in captivity. Ferrets normally live in burrows, and thus in captivity appreciate the provision of materials, such as tubes in which they can crawl and play games.

Ferrets usually breed once a year, mating in the spring. Male animals are hostile to, and will fight vigorously with, unfamiliar males during the breeding season. As a consequence, at this time single housing of males may prove necessary.

The ferret is an intelligent, inquisitive, playful and agile animal, and this should be taken into account in the design of the accommodation and when handling. A complex, escape-proof enclosure is required which provides opportunities to the ferret to exhibit a wide behavioural repertoire.

2. The environment and its control

2.1. Ventilation

(See paragraph 2.1. of the General section)

2.2. Temperature

Ferrets should be maintained in the temperature range of 15 oC to 24 oC.

As ferrets do not have well-developed sweat glands, to avoid heat exhaustion they should not be exposed to high temperatures.

2.3. Humidity

It is considered unnecessary to control or record relative humidity as ferrets can be exposed to wide fluctuations of ambient relative humidity without adverse effects.

2.4. Lighting

The light source and type should not be aversive to the animals and particular care should be taken with ferrets, especially if albino, housed in the top tier of tiered racking systems.

Holding of ferrets under the natural twenty-four-hour light-dark cycle is acceptable.

Where the light part of the photoperiod is provided by artificial lighting, this should be for a minimum of eight hours daily and should generally not exceed sixteen hours daily.

However, it should be noted that for manipulation of the reproductive cycle variation in the light-dark cycles is necessary (e.g. the light part of the photoperiod can vary from six to sixteen hours).

If natural light is totally excluded, low level night lighting should be provided to allow animals to retain some vision and to take account of their startle reflex.

2.5. Noise

Lack of sound or auditory stimulation can be detrimental and make ferrets nervous. However, loud unfamiliar noise and vibration have been reported to cause stress-related disorders in ferrets and should be avoided. It is important to consider methods of reducing sudden or unfamiliar noise in ferret facilities, including that generated by husbandry operations within the facility and also by ingress from outside sources. Ingress of noise can be controlled by appropriate siting of the facility and by appropriate architectural design. Noise generated within the facility can be controlled by noise absorbent materials or structures. Expert advice should be taken when designing or modifying accommodation.

2.6. Alarm systems

(See paragraph 2.6. of the General section)

3. Health

(See paragraphs 4.1. and 4.4. of the General section)

4. Housing, enrichment and care

4.1. Housing

Animals should be kept in socially harmonious groups unless there are scientific or welfare justifications for single housing.

During the breeding season, adult males may need to be maintained singly to avoid fighting and injury. However, males can be maintained successfully in groups at other times.

Pregnant females should be housed singly only during late pregnancy, no more than two weeks prior to parturition.

Separation of animals that are normally group-housed can be a significant stress factor. Where this is for a period of more than twenty-four hours, it should be regarded as severely compromising the welfare of the animals. Therefore, ferrets should not be single-housed for more than twenty-four hours without justification on veterinary or welfare grounds. Single housing for more than twenty-four hours on experimental grounds should be determined in consultation with the animal technician and with the competent person charged with advisory duties in relation to the well-being of the animals.

Where animals are single-housed, whether for scientific or welfare reasons, additional resources should be targeted to the welfare and care of these animals. Additional human socialisation time, and visual, auditory and, where possible, tactile contact with other ferrets should be provided for all single-housed animals on a daily basis.

The social behaviour of ferret should be taken into account by providing regular interaction with other ferrets through group housing and regular handling. In general, ferrets seem to benefit from such regular and confident handling and this should be encouraged, as it results in better quality and more sociable animals.

Social behaviour in ferrets develops at an early age and it is important that the young ferret has social contacts with other ferrets (e.g. litter-mates) and with humans (e.g. animal caretakers). Daily handling during this sensitive stage of development is a prerequisite for the social behaviour of the adult ferret. It is reported that the more frequent the interaction, the more placid the animal will become, and this interaction should be continued through into adult life.

4.2. Enrichment

The design of the ferret enclosure should meet the animals' species- and breed-specific needs. It should be adaptable so that innovation based on new understanding may be incorporated.

The design of the enclosure should allow some privacy for the ferrets and enable them to exercise some control over their social interactions.

Separate areas for different activities, such as by raised platforms and pen sub-divisions, should be provided in addition to the minimum floor space detailed below. Where nesting boxes are provided, these should be designed to contain the young ferrets within the nest.

Provision of containers and tubes of cardboard or rigid plastic, and paper bags, stimulates both investigative and play behaviour. Water baths and bowls are used extensively by ferrets.

4.3. Enclosures — dimensions and flooring

These guidelines are intended to encourage the social housing of ferrets and to permit adequate enrichment of the environment. It should be noted that within this concept and strategy every encouragement is given to holding ferrets in large and socially harmonious groups both to increase the available floor space and to enhance the socialisation opportunities.

Animal enclosures, including the divisions between enclosures, should provide an easy to clean and robust environment for the ferrets. Their design and construction should seek to provide an open and light facility giving the ferrets comprehensive sight of other ferrets and staff, outside of their immediate animal enclosure. There should also be provision for the ferrets to seek refuge and privacy within their own enclosure and, in particular, away from the sight of ferrets in other enclosures.

As ferrets have a remarkable ability to escape, the design of the enclosure should be such that the animal is unable to escape or to injure itself should any such attempt be made.

The recommended minimum height of the enclosure should be 50 cm. The ferret enjoys climbing and this height facilitates provision of suitable enrichment. The floor space should provide an adequate area for movement and to allow the animal the opportunity to select sleeping, eating and urination/defecation areas. In order to provide enough space for environmental complexity, no animal enclosure should be less than 4 500 cm2. Minimum space requirements for each ferret are as follows:

Table E.1.

Ferrets: Minimum enclosure dimensions and space allowances

Minimum enclosure size (cm2) Minimum floor area per animal (cm2) Minimum height (cm) Animals up to 600 g 4 500 1 500 50 Animals over 600 g 4 500 3 000 50 Adult males 6 000 6 000 50 Jill and litter 5 400 5 400 50

Animal enclosures should be of a rectangular shape rather than square, to facilitate locomotor activities.

Constraint in less than the above space requirements for scientific purposes, such as in a metabolism cage, may severely compromise the welfare of the animals

4.3.1. Flooring

The flooring for ferret accommodation should be a solid continuous floor with a smooth non-slip finish. Additional enclosure furniture such as beds or platforms should provide all ferrets with a warm and comfortable resting place.

Open flooring systems such as grids or mesh should not be used for ferrets.

4.4. Feeding

(See paragraph 4.6. of the General section)

4.5. Watering

(See paragraph 4.7. of the General section)

4.6. Substrate, litter, bedding and nesting material

Bedding material is required for all ferrets. In addition, nesting materials such as hay, straw or paper should be provided. Deep litter systems are considered to provide additional enrichment.

It is good practice to use some litter or substrate material at least to facilitate cleaning and minimise the necessity to wash/hose down regularly.

4.7. Cleaning

Wet cleaning by hosing down of animal enclosures should not result in ferrets becoming wet. When animal enclosures are hosed down, the ferrets should be removed from the enclosure to a dry place and returned only when it is reasonably dry.

Ferrets tend to defecate against a vertical surface in one area of the enclosure. Provision of a litter tray may be beneficial and reduce the frequency of cleaning required for the remainder of the enclosure.

All excreta and soiled materials should be emptied at least daily, and more frequently if necessary, from litter trays and/or removed from all other areas used by the animals as a toilet.

Frequency of cleaning of the remainder of the enclosure should be determined on factors such as stocking density, enclosure design and stage of breeding e.g. periparturient period.

4.8. Handling

(See paragraph 4.10. of the General section)

4.9. Humane killing

(See paragraph 4.11. of the General section)

4.10. Records

(See paragraph 4.12. of the General section)

4.11. Identification

(See paragraph 4.13. of the General section)

F. SPECIES-SPECIFIC GUIDELINES FOR NON-HUMAN PRIMATES

a. General considerations

1. Introduction

Keeping non-human primates in the laboratory creates a number of problems which are not shared with other commonly used laboratory mammals. Non-human primates are not domesticated, but are wild animals; most are also arboreal. Their wild status means that they are more alert than domesticated species and thus are highly reactive to any unfamiliar and alarming stimuli. Unlike domesticated species, they have not been selected for friendliness to humans and low aggression. Early friendly contact between infants and care-givers will result in a less fearful animal, as the animals learn that familiar humans do not constitute a threat, but the animals will retain most of the attributes of their wild conspecifics. In contrast to non-arboreal laboratory mammals, the flight reaction of non-human primates from terrestrial predators is vertical, rather than horizontal; even the least arboreal species seek refuge in trees or on cliff faces. As a result, enclosure height should be adequate to allow the animal to perch at a sufficiently high level for it to feel secure. The structural division of space in primate enclosures is of paramount importance. It is essential that the animals should be able to utilise as much of the volume as possible because, being arboreal, they occupy a three-dimensional space. To make this possible, perches and climbing structures should be provided.

In addition to their wild nature and climbing habits, non-human primates have advanced cognitive capabilities and complex foraging and social behaviour. As a result, they require complex, enriched environments to allow them to carry out a normal behavioural repertoire. The group structure, however, should be such that normal behaviours indicative of distress or pain or those likely to result in injury are kept to a minimum.

Non-human primates used for scientific research should be captive-bred and, where practicable, reared on site to avoid transport stress. Captive-bred animals are of known age, parentage and health status and have been reared under standardised husbandry practices. Where non-human primates are to be imported they should, whenever possible, be obtained as offspring from established breeding colonies with high welfare and care standards. They should be free from zoonotic diseases. Wild caught animals should only be used in exceptional circumstances as they present health hazards to staff, have unknown histories and are likely to be more afraid of humans. In some instances there can be a significant mortality among the animals at the trapping site and during transfer to the source country holding site.

Additional details are provided for the commonly bred and used laboratory species. Further advice on requirements for other species (or if behavioural or breeding problems occur) should be sought from experienced primatologists and care staff to ensure that any particular species needs are adequately addressed.

2. The environment and its control

2.1. Ventilation

(See paragraph 2.1. of the General section)

2.2. Temperat