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)
Date: 2007-06-18
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: animal experimentation, animal welfare, approximation of laws, protection of animals, scientific research

30.7.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 197/1

II

(Acts adopted under the EC Treaty/Euratom Treaty whose publication is not obligatory)

RECOMMENDATIONS

COMMISSION

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,

(3) 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.

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

Whereas:

(1) 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
scientific
animals used for
purposes (1)
the
protection of vertebrate animals used for experimental and
other scientific purposes (hereinafter ‘Convention’). Council
Decision 1999/575/EC (2) approved the Convention.

implements European Convention for

experimental

and other

(4) On 15 June 2006 the Fourth Multilateral Consultation of
Parties to the Convention adopted a revised Appendix A.

(5)

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

(6) 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).

(2) 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.

(7) 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
transport within the Community including the
their

(1) OJ L 358, 18.12.1986, p. 1. Directive as amended by Direc-
tive 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.

L 197/2

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Official Journal of the European Union

30.7.2007

specific checks to be carried out by officials on consign-
ments entering or leaving the customs territory of the
Community,

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

HEREBY RECOMMENDS:

Done at Brussels, 18 June 2007.

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

For the Commission

Stavros DIMAS

Member of the Commission

30.7.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 197/3

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.

4.

Education and training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

8

9

9

9

9

9

10

10

10

10

11

11

11

11

12

12

12

12

12

13

13

14

15

15

16

16

16

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4.11. Humane killing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4.12. Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4.13. Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SPECIES-SPECIFIC SECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

A.

Species-specific guidelines for rodents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1.

2.

3.

4.

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The environment and its control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Housing, enrichment and care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

B.

Species-specific guidelines for rabbits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1.

2.

3.

4.

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The environment and its control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Housing, enrichment and care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

C.

Species-specific guidelines for cats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1.

2.

3.

4.

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The environment and its control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Housing, enrichment and care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

D.

Species-specific guidelines for dogs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1.

2.

3.

4.

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The environment and its control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Housing, enrichment and care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

E.

Species-specific guidelines for ferrets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1.

2.

3.

4.

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The environment and its control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Housing, enrichment and care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F.

Species-specific guidelines for non-human primates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

a.

General considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1.

2.

3.

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The environment and its control

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

16

17

17

17

17

17

18

18

18

23

23

23

23

23

26

26

26

27

27

29

29

29

30

30

33

33

33

34

34

37

37

37

37

38

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4.

5.

6.

Housing, enrichment and care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Training of personnel

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Transport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

b.

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

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The environment and its control

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Housing, enrichment and care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Training of personnel

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Transport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

c.

Additional guidelines for housing and care of squirrel monkeys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The environment and its control

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Housing, enrichment and care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Training of personnel

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Transport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

d.

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

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The environment and its control

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Housing, enrichment and care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Training of personnel

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Transport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

e.

Additional guidelines for housing and care of baboons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The environment and its control

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Housing, enrichment and care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Training of personnel

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Transport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

38

42

42

42

42

43

43

43

45

45

45

45

45

46

46

47

47

47

47

47

48

48

49

49

50

50

50

50

50

52

52

L 197/6

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

30.7.2007

G.

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

a.

General considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1.

2.

3.

4.

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The environment and its control

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Housing, enrichment and care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

b.

Additional guidelines for housing and care of cattle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1.

2.

3.

4.

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The environment and its control

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Housing, enrichment and care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

c.

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

1.

2.

3.

4.

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The environment and its control

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Housing, enrichment and care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

d.

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

1.

2.

3.

4.

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The environment and its control

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Housing, enrichment and care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

52

52

52

52

54

55

58

58

58

58

58

59

59

59

59

59

60

60

60

61

61

e.

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

64

1.

2.

3.

4.

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The environment and its control

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Housing, enrichment and care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

H.

Species-specific guidelines for birds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

a.

General considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1.

2.

3.

4.

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The environment and its control

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Housing, enrichment and care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

64

64

64

64

65

65

65

66

67

68

30.7.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 197/7

b.

c.

d.

e.

f.

g.

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

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

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

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

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

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

I.

Species-specific guidelines for amphibians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The environment and its control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Housing, enrichment and care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Transport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

J.

Species-specific guidelines for reptiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The environment and its control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Housing, enrichment and care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Transport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

K.

Species-specific guidelines for fish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Environment and its control

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Housing, enrichment and care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Transport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

70

71

72

73

74

75

76

76

77

78

78

81

81

81

82

83

83

85

85

85

85

87

87

89

L 197/8

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

30.7.2007

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

INTRODUCTION

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

30.7.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 197/9

For the purpose of these guidelines:

DEFINITIONS

(1)

‘animal enclosure’ means the primary accommodation in which the animals are confined, such as:

(a)

(b)

(c)

‘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;

‘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;

‘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.

L 197/10

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

30.7.2007

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.

1.4.4.

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.

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

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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.

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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.

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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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

4.3.2.

4.3.3.

4.3.4.

4.3.5.

4.3.6.

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

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

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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
In such
competent person charged with advisory duties in relation to the well-being of
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.

the animals.

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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.

4.6.2.

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.

The animals' diet should be palatable and non-contaminated. In the selection of raw materials, production,
feed, precautions should be taken to minimise chemical, physical and
preparation and presentation of
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.

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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).

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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.

A.

1.

SPECIES-SPECIFIC SECTION

SPECIES-SPECIFIC GUIDELINES FOR RODENTS

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.

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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.

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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.

D i m e n s i o n s

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.

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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 pro-
cedures

up to 20

over 20 to 25

over 25 to 30

over 30

Breeding

330

330

330

330

330

For a monogamous pair
(outbred/inbred) or a
trio (inbred). For each
additional female plus
litter 180 cm2 should be
added.

Stock at breeders (*)
Enclosure size
950 cm2

Enclosure size
1 500 cm2

less than 20

less than 20

950

1 500

60

70

80

100

40

30

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

(*)

Post-weaned mice may be kept at these higher stocking densities, for the short period after weaning until issue, provided that
the animals are housed in larger enclosures with adequate enrichment. These housing conditions should not cause any
welfare deficit such as: increased levels of aggression, morbidity or mortality, stereotypes and other behavioural deficits,
weight loss, or other physiological or behavioural stress responses.

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 pro-
cedures (*)

up to 200

over 200 to 300

over 300 to 400

over 400 to 600

over 600

Breeding

800

800

800

800

1 500

800

Mother and litter. For
each additional adult
animal permanently
added to the enclosure
add 400 cm2

Stock at breeders (**)

up to 50

Enclosure size
1 500 cm2

over 50 to 100

over 100 to 150

over 150 to 200

1 500

1 500

1 500

1 500

200

250

350

450

600

100

125

150

175

18

18

18

18

18

18

18

18

18

18

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Body weight
(g)

Minimum enclosure size
(cm2)

Floor area per
animal
(cm2)

Minimum
enclosure height
(cm)

Stock at breeders (**)

up to 100

over 100 to 150

Enclosure size 2 500 cm2

over 150 to 200

2 500

2 500

2 500

100

125

150

18

18

18

(*)

In lifetime studies, animals should be provided with enclosures of a suitable size to enable the animals to be socially housed.
As stocking densities towards the end of such studies may be difficult to predict, consequentially there may be occasions
where space allowances per individual animal may fall below those indicated above. In such circumstances priority should be
given to maintaining stable social structures.

(**) Post-weaned rats may be kept at these stocking densities, for the short period after weaning until issue, provided that the
animals are housed in larger enclosures with adequate enrichment. These housing conditions should not cause any welfare
deficit such as: increased levels of aggression, morbidity or mortality, stereotypies and other behavioural deficits, weight loss,
or other physiological or behavioural stress responses.

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 pro-
cedures

up to 40

over 40

Breeding

1 200

1 200

1 200

150

250

18

18

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 pro-
cedures

up to 60

over 60 to 100

over 100

Breeding

150

200

250

800

800

800

800

Mother or
monogamous pair
with litter

Stock at breeders (*)

less than 60

1 500

100

14

14

14

14

14

(*)

Post-weaned hamsters may be kept at these stocking densities, for the short period after weaning until issue, provided that the
animals are housed in larger enclosures with adequate enrichment. These housing conditions should not cause any welfare
deficit such as: increased levels of aggression, morbidity or mortality, stereotypies and other behavioural deficits, weight loss,
or other physiological or behavioural stress responses.

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Table A.5.

Guinea pigs: Minimum enclosure dimensions and space allowances

Body weight
(g)

up to 200
over 200 to 300
over 300 to 450
over 450 to 700
over 700

In stock and during pro-
cedures

Breeding

Minimum enclosure
size
(cm2)

Floor area per
animal
(cm2)

Minimum
enclosure height
(cm)

1 800
1 800
1 800
2 500
2 500

200
350
500
700
900

2 500
Pair with litter. For
each additional
breeding female
add 1 000 cm2

23
23
23
23
23

23

4.3.2.

F l o o r i n g

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)

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4.10.

Records

(See paragraph 4.12. of the General section)

4.11.

Identification

(See paragraph 4.13. of the General section)

B.

1.

SPECIES-SPECIFIC GUIDELINES FOR RABBITS

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.

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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.

D i m e n s i o n s

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
from 3 to 5
over 5

3 500
4 200
5 400

45
45
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
from 3 to 5
over 5

3 500
4 200
5 400

1 000
1 200
1 400

45
45
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.

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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)

Weaning to 7 weeks
From 7 to 10 weeks

4 000
4 000

800
1 200

Minimum height
(cm)

40
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)

Over 10

less than 3
from 3 to 5
over 5

Optimum size
(cm × cm)

55 × 25
55 × 30
60 × 35

Optimum height from the
enclosure floor (cm)

25
25
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.

F l o o r i n g

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)

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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.

1.

SPECIES-SPECIFIC GUIDELINES FOR CATS

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)

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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
introducing an
compatibility of all
unfamiliar cat to a group, housing un-neutered males in a group or maintaining cats in larger groups.

individuals in the group. Special care is needed when regrouping cats,

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.

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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.

D i m e n s i o n s

Table C.1.

Cats: Minimum enclosure dimensions and space allowances

Floor (*)
(m2)

1,5

0,75

Shelves
(m2)

0,5

0,25

Height
(m)

2

—

Minimum for one adult
animal

For each additional animal
add

(*)

Floor area excluding shelves.

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.

F l o o r i n g

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)

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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.

1.

SPECIES-SPECIFIC GUIDELINES FOR DOGS

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).

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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.

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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.

D i m e n s i o n s

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)

Up to 20
over 20

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)

4
4

4
8

2
4

2
2

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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.

N u r s i n g b i t c h e s a n d l i t t e r s , a n d p u p p i e s u p t o 7 , 5 k g

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

over 5 to 10

over 10 to 15

over 15 to 20

over 20

4.3.3.

F l o o r i n g

4

4

4

4

8

0,5

1,0

1,5

2

4

2

2

2

2

2

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)

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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.

1.

SPECIES-SPECIFIC GUIDELINES FOR FERRETS

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.

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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.

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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

Animals up to 600 g
Animals over 600 g
Adult males
Jill and litter

Minimum enclosure size
(cm2)

Minimum floor area per
animal
(cm2)

Minimum height
(cm)

4 500
4 500
6 000
5 400

1 500
3 000
6 000
5 400

50
50
50
50

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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.

F l o o r i n g

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)

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F.

a.

1.

SPECIES-SPECIFIC GUIDELINES FOR NON-HUMAN PRIMATES

General considerations

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.

Temperature

As in captivity the animals have restricted opportunities for natural behavioural means of coping with climatic
change, the ranges specified for laboratory animals will not necessarily reflect those which they experience in
nature. Generally the ranges will be those which are optimal for the animals and comfortable for staff. Where
outdoor enclosures are in use, it is essential to provide shelter from inclement weather for all individuals and
continuous access to adequate heated indoor accommodation. This is of particular importance in breeding
colonies with extensive outdoor enclosures to reduce the risk of frostbite and loss of neonates in the winter
months.

2.3.

Humidity

Although some non-human primates live in tropical rain forests, where humidity is high, and others in arid
regions, it is not necessary for this to be replicated in the laboratory for established colonies. In general, humidity
levels of 40 to 70 % relative humidity are comfortable for both animals and care staff. Care should be taken (see
individual species) not to expose the animals to humidity which is too low and prolonged exposure outside this
range should be avoided, particularly for New World monkeys, which may be susceptible to respiratory problems.

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2.4.

Lighting

Most laboratory non-human primates should have a 12 hour/12 hour light/dark cycle. Simulated dawn and dusk
lighting may be beneficial for some species. For the nocturnal species, such as Aotus trivirgatus, the cycle should be
modified so that dim red light is used during part of the normal working day to allow the animals to be observed
during their active periods, and also to enable routine husbandry tasks to be carried out safely. Whenever
possible, rooms housing non-human primates should be provided with windows, since they are a source of
natural light and can provide environmental enrichment.

2.5.

Noise

Restful background sound such as music or radio programmes provided during the day can act as a form of
environmental enrichment and help to screen out sudden loud noises but it should not be provided permanently.
Music may also have a calming effect on the animals in times of stress. For most species, satisfactory sound levels
will be the same as those recommended for staff, but some species such as callitrichids can also hear ultrasound,
so this should be taken into account. The level of background noise should be kept low and should only exceed
65 dBA for short periods.

2.6.

Alarm systems

Most higher non-human primates have similar hearing to humans; to avoid frightening the animals sirens should
be avoided. An appropriate alternative would be to use flashing lights visible to staff in all rooms.

3.

Health

Though the use of captive-bred animals should ensure that they are in good health and do not pose a risk of
infection to staff or other non-human primates in the premises, all newly acquired animals should arrive with full
health certification and be quarantined on arrival. During this period their health should be closely monitored and
further serological, bacteriological and parasitological tests should be performed by competent laboratories as
required.

All non-human primates in the colony should be under expert veterinary control and submitted to periodical
diagnostic tests. Their close affinity to humans results in susceptibility to a number of diseases and parasites that
are common to both and occasionally life threatening to the other. It is, therefore, of vital importance that there is
also regular medical screening of the staff. Any member of staff posing a potential health risk to the animals
should not have contact with the animals. Particular care should be taken when dealing with animals which may
be contaminated by pathogens transmissible to humans. Staff should be informed, and measures taken to
minimise the risk of infection. Lifetime health records should be kept for each animal. The investigation of
unexpected morbidity and mortality should be thorough, having regard for potential zoonotic diseases, and be
entrusted to competent personnel and laboratories.

Non-human primates from different geographical areas should be strictly separated from each other until their
health status has been clarified.

In outdoor enclosures vermin control is of particular importance.

4.

Housing, enrichment and care

4.1.

Housing

A person competent in the behaviour of non-human primates should be available for advice on social behaviour,
environmental enrichment strategies and management.

Because the common laboratory non-human primates are social animals, they should be housed with one or
more compatible conspecifics. To ensure harmonious relations, it is essential that the group composition of
laboratory non-human primates should be appropriate. Compatibility, and hence group composition, in terms of
the age and sex of its members depends on the species. In creating groups, the natural social organisation of the
species should be taken into account. In confined conditions, however, where the space for extended chases or the
emigration of social rejects is not available, the natural age and sex composition of troops may be inappropriate,
modifications to group structure may be required. For example, a harem structure may be substituted for the
natural multi-male, multi-female troop in macaques. Experimental protocol may also determine group
composition, for example, single-sex or same age groups. Visual barriers, which allow the animals to be out of
sight of one another, are important in group housing and multiple escape routes provide opportunities to avoid
attacks and also prevent dominant individuals from restricting access of subordinates to other parts of the
enclosure.

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Careful monitoring of animals is necessary following grouping or mixing, and a programme of action should be
in place for managing and minimising aggressive interaction.

Where animals are housed in same-sex groups, it is best to avoid housing the two sexes in close proximity, as this
can sometimes lead to the males becoming aggressive. The only exceptions to social housing should be either for
veterinary reasons or where an experimental protocol demands it to ensure good science. Single housing should
only be allowed for as short a time as possible, under close supervision, where there is a 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.
For experimental animals, where housing them in large groups is not possible, keeping them in same-sex
compatible pairs is probably the best social arrangement.

Where socially housed animals need to be separated for a period of time, for example, for dosing, care and
vigilance should be exercised on re-introduction as the social organisation in the group may have changed and the
animal may be attacked. Possible solutions include confinement of this animal to an individual enclosure attached
to, or within, the main living area or separation of all individuals briefly followed by re-introduction of the whole
group simultaneously.

4.1.1.

B r e e d i n g

The sex ratio and numbers of animals in a breeding colony will depend on the species involved. It is important to
ensure that both space and complexity are adequate to prevent the intimidation of individuals, particularly low-
ranking females and young. In polygamous species, the sex ratio should ensure that the majority of females are
mated and give birth to live offspring. Where there is more than one male in the group, care should be taken to
ensure that the males are compatible. Monogamous species will be bred in family groups with a breeding pair and
two or more sets of their offspring.

For future breeding animals, it is important that the young grow up in stable social groups, preferably their natal
group, with their mothers. This ensures that their parenting skills and social interactions within a hierarchical
structure develop adequately.

Animals will normally successfully rear single or twin offspring without intervention. However, a management
policy for rejected infants is required to minimise suffering in these animals.

4.1.2.

S e p a r a t i o n f r o m t h e m o t h e r

Young animals have a slow postnatal development lasting several years in cercopithecoids with a period of
dependency on their mothers lasting until they are 8 to 12 months old, depending on the species. During this
period they learn about their environment under the mother's protective vigilance and socialise through
interactions with a diversity of social partners.

They also learn parenting skills by interacting with infants or even helping to care for them. Separation of infants
from a colony causes distress to the mother and infant at the time. It is therefore preferable to leave them in their
natal colony until they have become independent. Should they, for their own welfare, have to be weaned or
separated earlier, it is advisable to incorporate them into a well organised group to avoid damage to their social
development, behaviour, physiology and immune competence. The appropriate age ranges for weaning will
depend on the species.

4.2.

Enrichment

The environment should enable the animal to carry out a complex daily programme of activity. The precise
features of the living quarters, however, will vary according to species, due to differences in natural behaviour. The
enclosure should allow the animal to adopt as wide a behavioural repertoire as possible, provide it with a sense of
security, and a suitably complex environment to allow the animal to run, walk, climb and jump. Materials
providing tactile stimuli are also valuable. Opportunities for the animals to have some control over the
environment should be provided. Some novelty should also be introduced at intervals, which can include for
example minor changes in the conformation or arrangement of enclosure furniture and feeding practices.

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4.3.

Enclosures — dimensions and flooring

Non-human primates should be housed in such a way that they do not exhibit abnormal behaviour and are able
to display a satisfactory range of normal activities.

The following factors will determine the enclosure dimensions for a given species:

— the adult size of the animal (juvenile animals, though smaller, are usually more active than adults, thus

requiring similar space allowances for physical development and play), and

— sufficient space to provide a complex and challenging environment, and

— the size of group to be accommodated.

4.3.1.

D i m e n s i o n s

The following principles should apply to the housing of all species of non-human primates:

— enclosures should be of adequate height to allow the animal to flee vertically and sit on a perch or a shelf,

without its tail contacting the floor,

— the animal should be able to display a normal locomotor and behavioural repertoire,

— there should be room for suitable environmental enrichment,

— apart from exceptional circumstances, the animal should not be singly housed,

— enclosures should not be arranged in two or more tiers vertically.

4.3.2.

O u t d o o r e n c l o s u r e s

Where possible, non-human primates should have access to outdoor enclosures. These are commonly used for
breeding larger non-human primates. They have the advantage for the animals that they can include many
features of the natural environment and are also useful for holding stock or experimental animals where close
climatic control
is not required and outdoor temperatures are suitable. Outdoor enclosures are usually
constructed of metal, but other materials, including wood, can be used providing it is suitably weather-proofed.
Some types of wood are approved by toxicologists provided that a certificate of analysis is available. Wood is
easily maintained or replaced, can be custom-built on site and provides a quieter and more natural material. To
protect the structural integrity of a wooden enclosure, the framework should either be of a type of wood which
the animals will not chew or protected with mesh and a non-toxic treatment. The base of the enclosure can be of
concrete or natural vegetation. Concrete-floored enclosures can be covered with a suitable non-toxic substrate.
Either part of the outdoor enclosure should be roofed, to allow the animals to be outside in wet weather and to
provide protection from the sun or, alternatively, shelters can be provided. Where outdoor enclosures are
provided, the non-human primates will utilise them, even in the winter. However, heated indoor enclosures
should be provided. It is recommended that the minimum size for an indoor enclosure should meet the minimum
values specified to ensure that the animals are not overcrowded in inclement weather. As outdoor enclosures
represent additional space, there is no need to set minimum dimensions for these. Where different enclosures are
connected, for example outdoor and indoor, more than one connecting door should be provided to prevent
subordinates being trapped by more dominant animals.

4.3.3.

I n d o o r h o u s i n g

Although indoor enclosures will commonly be constructed of metal, other materials, such as wood, laminates and
glass have been used successfully and provide a quieter environment.

As height is a critical feature of the enclosure, all non-human primates should be able to climb, jump and occupy
a high perch. The walls can include mesh to allow climbing but sufficient diagonal branches or perches should
also be provided to allow all animals to sit on them simultaneously. Where mesh is used, care should be taken to
ensure that it is of a type which could not lead to injury through animals having their limbs trapped.

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Solid floors have the advantage that they can be covered with a substrate in which food can be scattered to
encourage foraging. Non-human primates require space for activity, but may need to be confined in smaller home
enclosures for short periods of time when justified on veterinary or experimental grounds. Smaller volumes can
be created by partitioning the main enclosure using dividers and/or a mobile back to the enclosure, having a cage
within the home enclosure, two linked units, or attaching experimental enclosures to a larger exercise enclosure.
These methods of confining experimental animals all have the advantage that animals have access to a satisfactory
living environment and social companions, allowing however separation for feeding, cleaning and experimental
purposes, such as dosing and blood sampling.

Should single-housing in a small enclosure be necessary, because of a special experimental paradigm, the duration
and extent of confinement should be justified by the experimenter, balancing the likely effect on the well-being of
the animal against the scientific value and requirements of the experiment. 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.

More space for activity can be provided by keeping non-human primates in large groups, rather than pairs.
Individuals can be isolated by training (see paragraph 4.8 below) or running the group through a race with a trap
in it.

The additional guidelines provide minimum recommended enclosure sizes for the different species.

4.4.

Feeding

Presentation and content of the diet should be varied to provide interest and environmental enrichment. Scattered
food will encourage foraging, or where this is difficult food should be provided which requires manipulation, such
as whole fruits or vegetables, or puzzle-feeders can be provided. Foraging devices and structures should be
designed and situated to minimise contamination. Vitamin C is an essential component of the primate diet. New
World monkeys require adequate quantities of vitamin D3. As the enrichment feeding may lead to preferences, to
ensure that the animals receive a balanced diet it is advisable to feed the standard diet first thing in the morning
when the animals are hungry and have no alternative. The food can be scattered to ensure that it is not
monopolised by dominant individuals. A varied diet should not be provided if it is likely to have disturbing effects
on experimental results. However, in such circumstances variation can be introduced in the form of nutritionally
standard diets available in different shapes, colours and flavours.

4.5.

Watering

(See paragraph 4.7. of the General section)

4.6.

Substrate, litter, bedding and nesting material

Some non-human primates, for example some prosimians, require nesting material, for example wood wool, dry
leaves or straw. Non-toxic substrates such as wood chips, wood granulate with a low dust level or shredded paper
are valuable to promote foraging in indoor enclosures. Grass, herbage wood chip or bark chip are suitable for
outdoor facilities.

4.7.

Cleaning

(See paragraph 4.9. of the General section)

4.8.

Handling

Various methods of restraint are employed in handling non-human primates, ranging from enclosures with
sliding partitions, through netting, holding the animals manually, to using a dart to tranquillise them. Although
non-human primates dislike being handled and are stressed by it, training animals to cooperate should be
encouraged, as this will reduce the stress otherwise caused by handling. Training the animals is a most important
aspect of husbandry, particularly in long-term studies. It has a dual advantage in providing the animal with an
intellectual challenge and making work more rewarding for the care-giver. Non-human primates will respond to
aural and visual stimuli, and by using simple reward systems, training can often be employed to encourage the
animals to accept minor interventions, such as blood sampling.

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The response of individuals to training and procedures should be regularly reviewed, as some animals may be
particularly difficult or non-responsive and in such cases, careful consideration should be given to their continued
use.

Though animals can be trained to accomplish tasks, attention should be paid to appropriate recovery periods
when subjected to repeated experiments.

4.9.

Humane killing

(See paragraph 4.11. of the General section)

4.10.

Records

Individual records containing detailed information for each animal should be maintained. These should include:
species, sex, age, weight, origin, clinical and diagnostic information, present and previous housing system, history
of experimental use and any other information relevant for management and experimental procedures, such as
reports on their behaviour or status, and favoured social companions/social relationship.

4.11.

Identification

All non-human primates in a facility should be identified with a permanent and unique laboratory identification
code before weaning. Individual animals can be identified visually by using properly fitted necklaces with attached
medallions or tattoos for large species. Microchips can be injected into accessible sites (the wrist for larger animals
or scruff of the neck for smaller species. As it is important to be able easily to distinguish animals, some
laboratories successfully use names for the animals, as these can easily be used to identify dominant and
subordinate animals, and are considered by some to encourage the care staff to increase their respect for the non-
human primates.

5.

Training of personnel

Staff should be trained in the management, husbandry and training of animals under their care. For animal carers
and scientists working with non-human primates, training should include species-specific information. This
should include the biological and behavioural characteristics and requirements of the species, environmental
enrichment, methods used for the introduction and removal of animals and social dynamics. Training should also
include information on the health and safety of staff working with non-human primates including zoonotic
disease risk, and management.

6.

Transport

Animals should, where possible, be transported in compatible pairs. However, adult animals may need to be
transported singly.

b.

1.

Additional guidelines for housing and care of marmosets and tamarins

Introduction

Marmosets (Callithrix spp.) are small, highly arboreal, South American diurnal non-human primates. In the wild
they have home ranges of 1 to 4 hectares where they live in extended family groups of three to fifteen animals
consisting of a breeding pair and their offspring. Females produce litters twice a year (normally twins and in
captivity, not infrequently, triplets) and all group members take care of the offspring. Reproductive inhibition of
the subordinate females by the dominant occurs due to hormonal and behavioural mechanisms. Marmosets are
frugivore-insectivore and are specialised in gum-tree gouging and gum feeding; however, in captivity they would
gouge and scent-mark other hardwoods. Foraging and feeding occupy up to 50 % of the time available.
Marmosets and tamarins can live for up to 15 to 20 years in captivity.

Tamarins (Saguinus spp.) are similar to marmosets in many respects. They are found in South and Central America,
but are slightly larger animals and have larger home ranges, varying from 30 to 100 hectares. The larger home
ranges of tamarins are related to more frugivorous diets, while they do not gouge, and eat gum only when readily
accessible.

Most marmosets and tamarins show reluctance to descend to the ground and frequently scent-mark their
environment.

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2.

The environment and its control

2.1.

Ventilation

(See paragraph 2.1. of the General section)

2.2.

Temperature

Marmosets and tamarins should be maintained in a temperature range of 23 oC to 28 oC, although levels slightly
higher are acceptable due to the tropical nature of the animals.

2.3.

Humidity

Humidity levels of 40 to 70 % should be provided, although the animals will tolerate relative humidity levels
higher than 70 %.

2.4.

Lighting

A photoperiod of no less than twelve hours of light is recommended. The lighting source should illuminate
uniformly the holding room. However, within the animal enclosures, a shaded area should always be provided.

2.5.

Noise

Special consideration should be given to minimise exposure to ultra-sound, which is within the hearing range of
marmosets and tamarins.

2.6.

Alarm system

(See paragraph 2.6. of the General considerations for non-human primates)

3.

Health

(See paragraph 3 of the General considerations for non-human primates)

4.

Housing, enrichment and care

4.1.

Housing

Marmosets and tamarins should be housed in family groups consisting of unrelated male-female pairs and one or
more sets of offspring. Groups of stock animals should consist of compatible same-sex peer individuals or
juveniles. Care should be taken when grouping unrelated adult individuals of the same sex since overt aggression
may occur.

During experiments, marmosets and tamarins can generally be kept with a compatible same-sex animal (twins,
parent/offspring) or in male-female pairs, using contraception. When experimental procedures or veterinary care
require single housing, the duration should be minimised and the animals should remain in visual, auditory and
olfactory contact with conspecifics.

Breeding pairs should be formed only when the animals are aged about 2 years. In family groups, the presence of
the mother will inhibit the ovulatory cycle in her female offspring. New pairs intended for breeding should not be
kept close to the parental family since reproduction may be inhibited.

The appropriate age of weaning will depend on the intended use of the animals but should not be earlier than 8
months of age. When animals are to be used as breeders, they should remain in the family group until at least 13
months of age in order to acquire adequate rearing experience.

4.2.

Enrichment

The natural behaviour of marmosets and tamarins indicates that the captive environment should provide some
degree of complexity and stimulation, factors which are more valuable than simply increasing enclosure
dimensions to promote species-typical behaviour. Furniture of natural or artificial materials (for example, wood,
PVC) should include: perches, platforms, swings, ropes. It is important to provide a certain degree of variability in
orientation, diameter and firmness to allow the animals to perform appropriate locomotor and jumping
behaviours. Wooden perches allow marmosets and tamarins to express their natural behaviour of gnawing

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followed by scent-marking. In addition, a comfortable secure resting area such as nest boxes should be included
since they are used for resting, sleeping and hiding in alarming situations. Though visual contact between family
groups is normally stimulating for the animals, opaque screens and/or increasing the distance between enclosures
in order to avoid territorial interaction may be needed in some cases, and in particular for certain callitrichid
species. Foraging devices, which stimulate the natural behaviour of the animals, should be suspended or presented
in the upper part of the enclosure, in consideration of the reluctance of the animals to descend to ground level.
Wood chips as a substrate will encourage foraging of spilled food at the floor area. In general, the inclusion in the
lower part of the enclosure of structural elements and enrichment devices will promote a wider and more
diversified use of the space. For marmosets, which are specialised in tree-gnawing to obtain gum, sections of
dowel drilled with holes and filled with gum arabic have proved very beneficial.

4.3.

Enclosures — dimensions and flooring

For marmosets and tamarins the volume of available space and the vertical height of the enclosure are more
important than floor area, due to the arboreal nature and the vertical flight reaction of these species. The
minimum dimensions and design of the enclosure should take into account the purpose for which the animals are
maintained (breeding, stock, short or long experiments) and enable the inclusion of sufficient devices for
improving the environmental complexity.

Table F.1.

Marmosets and Tamarins: Minimum enclosure dimensions and space allowances.

Minimum floor area of enclosures for
1 (*) or 2 animals plus offspring up to 5
months old (m2)

Minimum volume per
additional animal over
5 months (m3)

Minimum enclosure
height (m) (**)

Marmosets

Tamarins

0,5

1,5

0,2

0,2

1,5

1,5

(*) Animals should only be kept singly under exceptional circumstances (see paragraph 4.1).
(**) The top of the enclosure should be at least 1,8m from the floor.

4.4.

Feeding

Marmosets and tamarins require a high protein intake and since they are unable to synthesise vitamin D3 without
access to UV-B radiation, the diet must be supplemented with adequate levels of vitamin D3.

4.5.

Watering

(See paragraph 4.7. of the General section)

4.6.

Substrate, litter, bedding and nesting material

(See paragraph 4.6. of the General considerations for non-human primates)

4.7.

Cleaning

Marmosets and tamarins frequently scent-mark their environment and the total removal of familiar scents may
cause behavioural problems. Alternate cleaning and sanitation of the enclosure and the enrichment devices retains
some of the territorial scent-marking and has beneficial effects on the psychological well-being of the animals,
reducing over-stimulated scent-marking.

4.8.

Handling

Regular handling and human contact are beneficial for improving the animals' habituation to monitoring and
experimental conditions and facilitate training to cooperate with some procedures. When capture and transport
of the animals are required, nest boxes can be used to reduce handling stress.

4.9.

Humane killing

(See paragraph 4.11. of the General section)

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4.10.

Records

(See paragraph 4.10. of the General considerations for non-human primates)

4.11.

Identification

(See paragraph 4.11. of the General considerations for non-human primates)

Training of personnel

(See paragraph 5 of the General considerations for non-human primates)

Transport

(See paragraph 6 of the General considerations for non-human primates)

Additional guidelines for housing and care of squirrel monkeys

Introduction

5.

6.

c.

1.

Squirrel monkeys (Saimiri spp.) inhabit the tropical rain forests of the South American continent at various
altitudes. There are various regional subspecies, the two most important are known as S. sc. boliviensis (black
headed) and S. sc. sciureus (olive). In addition to differences in coat colour and face masks they also have some
minor variations in behavioural characteristics. Body weight of adults ranges from 600 to 1 100 g, with males
being distinctly heavier than females. Standing upright, adult animals reach about 40 cm body length. They are
typically arboreal animals living at different levels of the canopy, depending on environmental temperature. They
do, however, descend to the ground to look for food and, and in the case of young animals, to play. When in
danger, they flee to a high level. When travelling they may take leaps depending on the density of the canopy. In
the wild they live in fairly large groups in which females and young animals live together with a dominant
breeding male, whereas adult males that are not in breeding condition remain on the periphery, forming groups
of their own. Squirrel monkeys in captivity have been known to live for up to twenty-five years.

2.

The environment and its control

2.1.

Ventilation

(See paragraph 2.1. of the General section)

2.2.

Temperature

Though the species live in a wide range of climatic conditions in tropical forests from low to high altitudes in
mountain areas, temperature changes in the habitats of individual colonies or troops do not vary greatly.
Therefore marked short-term temperature variations should be avoided. In the wild the animals adapt to ambient
temperatures by choosing the most suitable level within the canopy (for example, nearer to the ground in cool
weather). Whereas normal room temperatures of 22 oC to 26 oC seem to be adequate, for animals with restricted
exercise areas temperatures around 26 oC may be more appropriate.

2.3.

Humidity

A range of 40 to 70 % is adequate for this species.

2.4.

Lighting

As tropical-forest dwellers, squirrel monkeys are adapted to diffuse lighting. Nevertheless, for animals without
access to outdoor enclosures, areas with high intensities of light similar to daylight should be provided. The light
spectrum should resemble daylight even though the light intensity need not be that of bright sunshine. A
12 hour/12 hour light and dark cycle is appropriate. The daylight period should not be less than eight hours. The
addition of a UV component or time-limited exposure to UV lamps would enable essential vitamin D3 synthesis
in skin.

2.5.

Noise

(See paragraph 2.5. of the General considerations for non-human primates)

2.6.

Alarm systems

(See paragraph 2.6. of the General considerations for non-human primates)

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3.

Health

Squirrel monkeys may be silent carriers of a herpes virus (Saimirine herpesvirus 1, syn. Herpesvirus tamarinus,
herpes T, Herpesvirus platyrrhinae), which, when transmitted to marmosets, may prove fatal. It is, therefore,
recommended to not keep these two animal species in the same units unless tests have shown the colonies to be
free from this viral infection.

4.

Housing, enrichment and care

4.1.

Housing

Based on their natural social organisation there is no difficulty in keeping saimiris in large single-sex groups. For
this purpose, however, male and female groups should be well separated to avoid fighting. Special attention
should be paid to identify distressed individuals in a group since aggressive behaviour is not very pronounced in
squirrel monkeys.

For breeding purposes a group of seven to ten females kept with one or two males appears to be adequate.
Breeding groups should have visual contact, but should be prevented from physical contact, with other groups.

Newborn animals are carried on the backs of their mothers until they are about 6 months old. However, they
leave their mothers for exploration or are carried by close relatives at quite an early stage. They thus learn to
socialise and, frequently through vocalisations, discover what may be dangerous or beneficial for them. The
animals take up solid food from the age of three months onward. Nevertheless it is recommended that young
animals should not be separated from their families before 6 months of age or, if hand feeding is necessary, they
can be placed for adoption by another female, if possible, in their natal group. Squirrel monkeys reach sexual
maturity at about the age of 3 years.

Breeding groups, once established, should not be disturbed, to avoid reduction in breeding performance. Major
environmental and social changes should thus be avoided.

4.2.

Enrichment

As arboreal animals, squirrel monkeys need sufficient climbing possibilities which can be provided by wire-mesh
walls, poles, chains or ropes. Though they do leap over gaps if provided with structures, they prefer to run along
or swing on horizontal and diagonal branches or rope bridges. Perches or nest boxes where they can sit huddled
together for resting and sleep will be utilised.

A solid base with a substrate encourages foraging activity and play. The animals should be offered a choice of sites
within the enclosure to allow for activity, to enable them to retreat from social contact and to allow them to select
comfortable temperatures and lighting conditions.

4.3.

Enclosures — dimensions and flooring

Table F.2.

Squirrel Monkeys: Minimum enclosure dimensions and space allowances

Minimum floor area for 1 (*) or 2
animals (m2)

Minimum volume per additional
animal over 6 months of age (m3)

Minimum enclosure height (m)

2,0

0,5

1,8

(*) Animals should only be kept singly under exceptional circumstances (see paragraph 4.1). Squirrel monkeys should preferably

be kept in groups of 4 or more animals.

4.4.

Feeding

Squirrel monkeys require a high protein intake. As with other South American species, squirrel monkeys require
high levels of vitamin D3 in addition to vitamin C. Pregnant females are susceptible to folic acid deficiency, and
should be provided with an appropriate powder or liquid supplement containing synthetic folic acid.

4.5.

Watering

(See paragraph 4.7. of the General section)

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4.6.

Substrate, litter, bedding and nesting material

(See paragraph 4.6. of the General considerations for non-human primates)

4.7.

Cleaning

(See paragraph 4.9. of the General section)

4.8.

Handling

Squirrel monkeys can be trained to come forward for titbits or drinks as rewards. They are also capable of
learning how to solve tasks for reward. For catching for investigation or treatment, animals should be trained to
enter gangways with trap cages or individual enclosures.

4.9.

Humane killing

(See paragraph 4.11. of the General section)

4.10.

Records

(See paragraph 4.10. of the General considerations for non-human primates)

4.11.

Identification

(See paragraph 4.11. of the General considerations for non-human primates)

Training of personnel

(See paragraph 5 of the General considerations for non-human primates)

Transport

(See paragraph 6 of the General considerations for non-human primates)

Additional guidelines for housing and care of macaques and vervets

Introduction

5.

6.

d.

1.

The three species of macaque which are most commonly kept in laboratories all originate from Asia: Macaca
mulatta (the rhesus monkey), Macaca fascicularis (the long-tailed, crab-eating or cynomolgus macaque) and Macaca
arctoides (the stump-tailed or bear macaque). The vervet (Cercopithecus aethiops or Chlorocebus aethiops) is a rather
similar type of African monkey sometimes kept in laboratories. In the wild, all of these species live in matriarchal
multi-male/multi-female groups. There are both male and female dominance hierarchies and females form kinship
groups within the troop. Social bonds are strongest between related females, and males compete for access to
females in oestrus. Two species, the rhesus monkey and stump-tailed macaque live in warm to temperate climates,
while the long-tailed macaque is an exclusively tropical species which particularly favours mangrove swamps and
often forages in water. The long-tailed macaque is the most arboreal of the four species and the stump-tailed
macaque the most terrestrial. The vervet has a wide range of African habitats, including open grasslands, forests
and mountains, with climatic conditions ranging from warm temperate to tropical. Rhesus monkeys are seasonal
breeders while the other species breed all year round in captivity. All the species have a predominantly vegetarian
diet, although they may also feed on insects. Macaques and vervets in captivity have been known to live for more
than thirty years.

2.

The environment and its control

2.1.

Ventilation

(See paragraph 2.1. of the General section)

2.2.

Temperature

Rhesus monkeys and stump-tailed macaques are tolerant of temperate climates, vervets are also adaptable and
temperatures of 16 oC to 25 oC are suitable. For the long tailed macaque, however, a more suitable range is 21 oC
to 28 oC, although it will venture outdoors in much cooler weather.

2.3.

Humidity

(See paragraph 2.3. of the General considerations for non-human primates)

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2.4.

Lighting

(See paragraph 2.4. of the General considerations for non-human primates)

2.5.

Noise

(See paragraph 2.5. of the General considerations for non-human primates)

2.6.

Alarm systems

(See paragraph 2.6. in the General considerations for non-human primates)

3.

Health

Old World monkeys belong to the most susceptible species for tuberculosis and a high percentage of Asiatic
macaques in the wild are silent carriers of Herpes B (syn. Herpes simiae, Cercopithicine herpesvirus 1). Vervets may
also be susceptible to Marburg Virus and Ebola Virus.

4.

Housing, enrichment and care

4.1.

Housing

Macaques and vervets should be kept with social companions. Should larger groupings be feasible, this should be
encouraged. Same-sex groups are most easily created at the time when the animals are separated from their
mothers. With all social housing, staff should be vigilant to ensure that aggression is minimised. Vervet colonies
are particularly prone to outbreaks of violence, especially after any form of disturbance to the group.

Breeding groups in captivity will usually be composed of one male and six to twelve females. With larger groups,
to improve conception rates, two males can be included. If one male is considerably younger than the other,
competition between them will be reduced. Where linked enclosures are used, care should be taken to monitor
female-female aggression when the male is out of sight in the other part of the enclosure.

The age of removal of young macaques from their mothers is an important consideration for the breeding female,
future breeders and stock animals. The young should not normally be separated from their mothers earlier than
8 months of age, preferably 12 months, apart from infants which are unable to be reared by their mother, for
example due to poor lactation, injury or illness. To avoid major behavioural disturbances, such hand-reared
animals should be re-integrated with other compatible animals as soon as possible. Separation before six months
can cause distress and may lead to persistent behavioural and physiological abnormalities.

4.2.

Enrichment

These animals, having advanced cognitive capabilities, require a suitably complex environment. A solid floor,
which can be enriched by providing a non-toxic substrate, will allow for the concealment of scattered food items
and encourage foraging. The enclosures should include vertical and diagonal structures for climbing, facilitating
the use of the whole volume of the enclosure. Shelves and perches should not be placed one above the other. A
space should be left between the shelf and enclosure wall to allow for the animal to suspend its tail freely.

Ladders, perches and toys to chew are all of value. In larger enclosures, a water tank (which is easily emptied) is
particularly valuable for M. fascicularis but M. mulatta will also use it. Food can be dropped into the water for the
long-tailed macaque and it will dive to retrieve it. Devices to encourage foraging (ranging from food scattered in
the substrate to puzzle-feeders) have proved effective. Suitable food material can be placed on the mesh roof to
encourage the animals to access it from the top of the enclosure. As novelty is important, toys should be provided
and exchanged frequently.

4.3.

Enclosures — dimensions and flooring

For the animals to feel secure, the design and interior dimensions of the enclosure should at least allow them to
climb above human eye level.

Housing the animals in groups and in enclosures larger than the minimum group sizes and enclosure dimensions
proposed in table F.3 should be encouraged

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Table F.3.

Macaques and vervets: Minimum enclosure dimensions and space allowances (*)

Minimum
enclosure size
(m2)

Minimum
enclosure volume
(m3)

Minimum
volume per
animal (m3)

Minimum enclosure
height (m)

Animals less than 3 yrs of age (**)

Animals from 3 yrs of age (***)

2,0

2,0

3,6

3,6

Animals held for breeding
purposes (****)

1,0

1,8

3,5

1,8

1,8

2,0

Animals should only be kept singly under exceptional circumstances (see paragraph 4.1).
(*)
(**)
An enclosure of minimum dimensions may hold up to three animals.
(***) An enclosure of minimum dimensions may hold up to two animals.
(****)

In breeding colonies no additional space/volume allowance is required for young animals up to 2 years of age housed with
their mother.

Animals should be housed in indoor enclosures providing appropriate environmental conditions of sufficient size
to permit all animals to be provided with at least the minimum space allowances set out in table F.3 above.

In certain climates, it may be possible to hold breeding and stock animals in entirely outdoor enclosures if
adequate shelter from climatic extremes is provided.

4.4.

Feeding

(See paragraph 4.4. in the General considerations for non-human primates)

4.5.

Watering

(See paragraph 4.7. of the General section)

4.6.

Substrate, litter, bedding and nesting material

(See paragraphs 4.3. and 4.6. of the General considerations for non-human primates)

4.7.

Cleaning

(See paragraph 4.9. of the General section)

4.8.

Handling

Macaques can easily be trained to cooperate in simple routine procedures such as injections or blood sampling
and to come to an accessible part of the enclosure.

4.9.

Humane killing

(See paragraph 4.11. of the General section)

4.10.

Records

(See paragraph 4.10. of the General considerations for non-human primates)

4.11.

Identification

(See paragraph 4.11. of the General considerations for non-human primates)

5.

Training of personnel

(See paragraph 5 of the General considerations for non-human primates)

6.

Transport

(See paragraph 6 of the General considerations for non-human primates)

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e.

1.

Additional guidelines for housing and care of baboons

Introduction

Baboons include three genera, Papio, Theropithecus and Mandrillus, in which the commonly used species are Papio
papio (Guinea baboon) and Papio anubis (Olive baboon).

Baboons inhabit woodlands and savannahs, including arid steppes and mountain deserts. They are heavily built
terrestrial and quadrupedal animals. They display a great prognathism. Males are equipped with large canines.

Baboons are omnivorous and eat a wide variety of foods, mostly vegetarian (fruit and roots), although they do eat
insects and occasionally mammal prey such as young gazelles or other non-human primates.

Papio papio and Papio anubis live in multi-male/multi-female groups.

Baboons in captivity have been known to live for more than thirty-five years.

The following guidelines are relevant to Papio papio and Papio anubis.

2.

The environment and its control

2.1.

Ventilation

(See paragraph 2.1. of the General section)

2.2.

Temperature

Baboons are tolerant and adaptable of temperate climates and temperatures of 16 oC to 28 oC are suitable.

2.3.

Humidity

(See paragraph 2.3. of the General considerations for non-human primates)

2.4.

Lighting

(See paragraph 2.4. of the General considerations for non-human primates)

2.5.

Noise

(See paragraph 2.5. of the General considerations for non-human primates)

2.6.

Alarm system

(See paragraph 2.6. of the General considerations for non-human primates)

3.

Health

(See paragraph 3 of the General considerations for non-human primates)

4.

Housing, enrichment and care

4.1.

Housing

Adults and juveniles should be kept with social companions. Stock animals can be kept in compatible same-sex
groups. Wherever possible, experimental animals should be kept in same-sex pairs or groups.

Breeding groups should be composed of one male and six to seven females, or two males and twelve to fifteen
females. Larger groups may be much more difficult to manage. Staff should be vigilant to ensure that aggression is
minimised. Baboon colonies are particularly prone to outbreaks of aggression, especially after any form of
disturbance to the group.

The young should not normally be separated from their mothers before eight months of age, preferably twelve
months, apart from infants which have been rejected or whose mother is not lactating adequately, or other
veterinary reasons.

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4.2.

Enrichment

Baboons, having advanced cognitive capabilities, require a suitably complex environment. A solid floor, which can
be enriched by providing a non-toxic substrate, will allow for the concealment of scattered food items and
encourage foraging. Ladders, perches and toys to chew are all of value. Food may be placed on the mesh roof to
encourage the animals to access it from the top of the enclosure. Due to the size and the behavioural needs of
baboons, enclosures should be robust and include broad shelves and blocks. As novelty is important, toys should
be provided and exchanged frequently.

4.3.

Enclosure — dimensions and flooring:

For the animals to feel secure, the design and interior dimension of the enclosure should be at least high enough
to allow them to climb above human eye level.

Housing the animals in groups and in enclosures larger than the minimum group sizes and enclosures dimensions
proposed in table F.4 should be encouraged

Table F.4.

Baboons: Minimum enclosure dimensions and space allowances (*)

Minimum
enclosure size
(m2)

Minimum
enclosure volume
(m3)

Minimum
volume per
animal (m3)

Minimum enclosure
height (m)

Animals (**) less than 4 yrs of age

Animals (**) from 4 yrs of age

Animals held for breeding pur-
poses (***)

4,0

7,0

7,2

12,6

3,0

6,0

12,0

1,8

1,8

2,0

(*)
(**)
(***)

Animals should only be kept singly under exceptional circumstances (see paragraph 4.1.).
An enclosure of minimum dimensions may hold up to 2 animals.
In breeding colonies no additional space/volume allowance is required for young animals up to 2 years of age housed with
their mother.

Animals should be housed in indoor enclosures providing appropriate environmental conditions of sufficient size
to permit all animals to be provided with at least the minimum space allowances set out in table F.4. above.

In certain climates, it may be possible to hold breeding and stock animals in entirely outdoor enclosures if
adequate shelter from climatic extremes is provided.

Enclosures should have a solid floor.

4.4.

Feeding

(See paragraph 4.4. of the General considerations for non-human primates)

4.5.

Watering

(See paragraph 4.7. of the General section)

4.6.

Substrate, litter, bedding and nesting material

(See paragraphs 4.3. and 4.6. of the General considerations for non-human primates)

4.7.

Cleaning

(See paragraph 4.9. of the General section)

4.8.

Handling

Baboons can be easily trained to cooperate in simple routine procedures such as injections or blood sampling and
to come to an accessible part of the enclosure. However, for personnel safety considerations, great care should be
taken in handling adult animals and suitable restraint deployed.

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4.9.

Humane killing

(See paragraph 4.11. of the General section)

4.10.

Records

(See paragraph 4.10. of the General considerations for non-human primates)

4.11.

Identification

(See paragraph 4.11. of the General considerations for non-human primates)

5.

Training of personnel

(See paragraph 5 of the General considerations for non-human primates)

6.

Transport

(See paragraph 6 of the General considerations for non-human primates)

G.

a.

1.

SPECIES-SPECIFIC GUIDELINES FOR FARM ANIMALS AND MINI-PIGS

General considerations

Introduction

For the purposes of these guidelines the term ‘farm animals’ includes cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, mini-pigs and
equines, including horses, ponies, donkeys and mules.

The use of farm animals in research varies from applied experiments under farm conditions to more fundamental
studies in agricultural, veterinary or biomedical research carried out under laboratory conditions. In the former
case, it is important that the housing and management conditions, whilst taking due account of animal health and
welfare, produce information which can be reliably applied to commercial farm conditions. In the latter case,
where more invasive procedures are frequently involved, a different type of housing and management is necessary.
The precise nature of the housing adopted should be suitable to yield information of relevance to the experimental
question and appropriate for the procedures involved.

Management systems for all farm animals should accommodate their natural behaviour, in particular the need to
graze or forage, exercise and socialise. Farm animals are held in a number of different types of enclosures, often
dependent on experimental requirements. For example, farm animals may be held on pasture, in open-sided
buildings with access to open yards, in enclosed buildings with natural ventilation or in specialised buildings for
quarantine and biocontainment with natural or forced ventilation.

During agricultural research, when the aim of the research requires that the animals are kept under similar
conditions to those under which commercial farm animals are kept, the keeping of the animals should at least
follow the standards laid down in Council Directive 98/58/EC (2) and in the specific Directives for the protection
of calves and pigs (Council Directives 91/629/EEC (3) and 91/630/EEC (4) as well as in the Recommendations
adopted under the Council of Europe Convention for the Protection of Animals kept for Farming Purposes (ETS
No 87).

2.

The environment and its control

Under natural conditions farm animals are exposed to, and will tolerate, a wide range of temperatures, although
there is some variation in the degree of tolerance between species and breeds. They will seek shelter against
driving rain and strong wind, and protection from intense sun. Where they are kept in enclosures exposed to
outdoor conditions, shelter and shade and a reasonably dry lying area should be provided. Shelters should be
carefully positioned taking these factors into consideration. Sufficient shelter should be provided to protect all
animals from adverse climatic conditions.

(2) OJ L 221, 8.8.1999, p. 23.
(3) OJ L 340, 11.12.1991, p. 28.
(4) OJ L 340, 11.12.1991, p. 33.

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Animals held outdoors or in buildings with natural ventilation will be exposed to ambient environmental
conditions. Animals should not be restricted to such areas under climatic conditions which may cause the animals
distress.

Environmental parameters, in particular temperature and humidity, are strictly interrelated and should not be
considered in isolation.

2.1.

Ventilation

All farm animals are sensitive to respiratory problems. In the absence of mechanical ventilation, as is the case in a
significant number of farm animal buildings, it is important to ensure that suitable air quality is provided by
natural ventilation (see paragraph 2.1.1. of the General section).

Dust levels in the air from feed and bedding should be minimised.

2.2.

Temperature

The thermoneutral zones of farm species vary considerably, depending on the conditions to which the animals are
acclimatised. Farm animals living outdoors develop a thick layer of hair/wool during the winter months to help
them to tolerate low temperatures. They may acclimatise to lower temperatures indoors even without the growth
of winter coats, provided the relative humidity is low, draughts are avoided and they have a lying area with
sufficient bedding material. In indoor enclosures it is therefore important to avoid wide fluctuations and sudden
changes in temperature, particularly when moving animals between indoor and outdoor accommodation. As
farm animals may suffer from heat stress, during periods of high temperature it is important to ensure that
appropriate measures, for example the shearing of sheep and provision of shaded lying areas, are in place to avoid
welfare problems.

Appropriate temperature ranges are dependent on a number of factors including, for example, breed, age, caloric
intake, weight, stage of lactation and type of environment.

2.3.

Humidity

Under natural conditions, farm animals are exposed to, and tolerate well, a wide range of relative humidities. In
controlled environments extremes and sudden wide fluctuations of humidity should be avoided, as both high and
low humidity can predispose animals to disease.

In indoor enclosures, buildings should be designed with sufficient ventilation to prevent prolonged periods of
high humidity, as this may cause excessive dampness in the animal enclosures, predisposing the animals to
respiratory disease, foot-rot and other infectious conditions.

2.4.

Lighting

Farm species have evolved to live in different conditions; for example ruminants graze and rest during daylight in
open grassland, whereas pigs show crepuscular activity in woodland areas. Provision of adequate light is
important for all farm animal species, and natural light is preferred where possible. Where this is not provided, the
light part of the photoperiod should be within a range of eight to twelve hours daily, or should reproduce natural
light cycles. A controlled photoperiod may be needed for breeding and for some experimental procedures.
Sufficient natural or artificial light should also be available for inspection of groups and individuals.

Where windows are provided, breakable glass should be screened using a protective physical barrier or be situated
out of reach of the animals.

2.5.

Noise

Unavoidable background noise from, for example, ventilation equipment, should be minimised, and sudden
noises should be avoided. Handling and restraint facilities should be designed and operated to minimise noise
during use.

2.6.

Alarm systems

(See paragraph 2.6. of the General section)

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3.

Health

3.1.

Disease control

As farm animals are often sourced from commercial farms, it is important that measures are taken to ensure that
animals of a suitable health status are obtained. Mixing animals from different sources is a particular risk.

Preventive medicine programmes should be developed on the basis of veterinary advice for all farm species, and
appropriate vaccination regimes adopted as necessary.

Foot care management, parasite control measures and nutritional management are essential parts of all farm-
animal health programmes. Regular dental examinations and respiratory disease preventive measures are of
particular importance in equine programmes.

Regular review of production indices and condition scoring should also be included.

Care is needed to ensure that any substrate provided does not introduce or promote growth of infectious agents
or parasites.

3.2.

Behavioural abnormalities

Behavioural abnormalities such as tail, ear or flank chewing or biting, wool pulling, navel sucking, weaving and
crib biting can occur as a consequence of poor husbandry or environmental conditions, social isolation, or from
boredom due to long periods of inactivity. If such abnormalities occur, measures should be taken immediately to
rectify these deficiencies including, for example, a review of environmental factors and management practices.

3.3.

Husbandry

Disbudding, dehorning of adult animals, castration and tail docking should not be done unless justified on welfare
or veterinary grounds. When those techniques are carried out, appropriate anaesthesia and analgesia should be
provided.

3.4.

Neonatal care

High standards of stockmanship and care are necessary for successful rearing of farm animals during the neonatal
period.

Suitable accommodation, with a dry clean area, should be provided for peri-parturient and neonatal animals.
Facilities should be designed to facilitate observation and be maintained to high hygiene standards, as young
animals are particularly susceptible to infections.

All neonates should receive adequate amounts of colostrum as soon as possible after birth, and preferably within
four hours. Adequate supplies of colostrum should be available for use in emergencies.

Suitable feeding practices should be in place to allow normal growth and development, with access to roughage
provided to ruminants from two weeks of age.

As neonatal animals have poor thermo-regulatory control, particular care is needed to ensure that suitable
temperatures are provided and maintained. A supplementary local heat source may be required, although care is
needed to avoid the risk of injury, such as burns, and accidental fires.

To reduce the risk of mis-mothering or rejection, it is important that a strong maternal bond is allowed to develop
during the first few days of life. During this period it is important to minimise handling or management
procedures, such as transport, castration or tagging, that may disrupt this relationship or prevent the young
animals accessing sufficient amounts of colostrum or milk.

Weaning strategies should be given due consideration to minimise stress in the mother and offspring. Weaning
into groups of animals of similar ages facilitates the development of compatible and stable social structures.

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Naturally reared pigs and mini-pigs should not be weaned before four weeks of age, lambs, kids and beef calves
before six weeks of age and equines before twenty weeks of age, unless there is justification on veterinary or
welfare grounds.

For animals which are artificially reared, commonly dairy calves, appropriate feeding regimes should be provided
to satisfy nutritional requirements, and in the case of ruminants, to promote normal rumen development.

Early weaning from the dam on experimental or veterinary 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 attention and means should be targeted to the welfare and care of
these animals.

4.

Housing, enrichment and care

4.1.

Housing

Farm animals should be housed in socially harmonious groups within the animal enclosure, and husbandry
practices designed to minimise social disruption, unless the scientific procedures or welfare requirements make
this impossible.

When kept in groups, a defined hierarchy is quickly established. Some aggressive interaction may be encountered
during initial grouping while relative rankings in the social hierarchy are established.

Special care is needed to minimise aggression and potential injury when grouping, regrouping, or introducing an
unfamiliar animal to a group. In all cases, animals should be grouped according to size and age and monitored for
social compatibility on an ongoing basis.

Separation from a group, and the single-housing of farm animals for even short periods can be a significant stress
factor. Therefore, farm animals should not be single-housed unless justified on welfare or veterinary grounds. The
exceptions, where animals may prefer to be housed singly include females about to give birth, and adult boars,
which can be solitary under natural conditions.

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. Factors to be
taken into consideration should include the nature of the individual animals, their likely reaction to separation
from the group and the need for and duration of an habituation period. Where individual housing is necessary,
animals should have visual, auditory and olfactory contact with conspecifics.

4.2.

Enrichment

As a stimulating environment is an important contributing factor to farm animal welfare, environmental
enrichment should be provided to prevent boredom and stereotypic behaviour. All farm animal species naturally
spend a large amount of time each day grazing, browsing or rooting for food, and in social interaction. Suitable
opportunities should be provided to meet these behaviours, by for example access to pasture, the provision of hay
or straw or manipulable objects such as chains or balls.

Enrichment materials and devices should be changed at regular intervals since animals, in particular pigs, tend to
lose interest in materials to which they have become accustomed. Sufficient enrichment devices should be
provided to minimise aggressive behaviour

4.3.

Enclosures — dimensions and flooring

Appropriate design of farm-animal enclosures is essential to ensure that suitable space is available within the
enclosure to allow the animals to carry out a range of normal behaviour. Floor type, drainage, provision of
bedding (and hence ease of maintaining hygiene) and the social circumstances (group size and stability) will all
impact on the space requirements for the animals.

All enclosures should be designed and maintained to ensure that animals cannot be trapped or injured, for
example in partitions or under feeding troughs.

Animals should not be tethered, unless justified on scientific or veterinary grounds, in which case this should be
for the minimum time period necessary.

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Sufficient space should be provided for each animal to stand up, lie comfortably, stretch and groom themselves,
with access to a communal lying area and adequate room for feeding.

The lying area should allow all animals to lie in lateral recumbency simultaneously, bearing in mind that whilst
some farm animals, for example pigs, generally prefer to lie in physical contact with other conspecifics, others,
such as equines prefer a degree of spatial separation. Under conditions of high temperatures, where animals need
to lie with complete spatial separation to facilitate heat loss, a greater lying area should be allowed.

The lying area should be provided with bedding to enhance comfort and reduce the incidence of pressure lesions.
Where absence of bedding is necessary for experimental reasons, the floor should be designed and insulated to
improve physical and, unless a suitable controlled environment is provided, thermal comfort.

The height of enclosures should allow natural rearing and mounting behaviour.

Enclosure flooring materials should be non-injurious and provide adequate grip for unconstrained locomotion
and posture change. Floors should be well maintained and replaced when necessary, as surface damage causing
injuries will develop over time.

4.4.

Feeding

The diet should provide adequate nutrients to support the maintenance energy requirements of each animal, given
the environmental conditions under which animals are kept. Additional energy will be needed to support
pregnancy, lactation and growth, and should be tailored to the needs of the animals (for example, high genetic
merit dairy cattle). Vitamin and mineral levels in the diet should also be considered, for example to avoid copper
toxicity in sheep or the formation of urinary calculi in male castrated sheep, and where necessary, mineral licks
should be provided.

When grazed grass is used as forage, stocking densities should be controlled to ensure adequate supplies are
available to meet the nutritional requirements of all the animals. Where grass supply is limited, provision of
additional feed in the field should be considered.

For ruminants and horses, sudden changes in diet should be avoided, and new items introduced gradually,
especially where high-energy feeds are introduced, or during periods of high metabolic demand, for example
around parturition. Sufficient roughage should be provided.

In group-housing systems, there should be sufficient food provided in sufficient numbers of sites for all
individuals to access without risk of injury.

Forage forms a significant component of the diets of farm animals. Since the amount of forage needed may
preclude the use of bags for storage, forage items, including hay, straw, silage and root crops, should be stored in a
way that minimises deterioration in quality and the risk of contamination. A pest-control strategy should be in
place in areas where forage and concentrates are stored.

When grass is cut for feeding housed animals (for example, zero-grazing), it should be done frequently, as cut
grass heats up when stored and becomes unpalatable.

4.5.

Watering

Animals should have access at all times to fresh uncontaminated water, which should be readily accessible to all
individuals within the social group. The number of drinking points or trough length should be sufficient to allow
access to water for all individuals within the social group. Flow rates should meet the demands of the individual
animal as these will vary depending on the feed, physiological status and ambient temperature, for example,
lactating animals have much higher water demands than stock animals.

4.6.

Substrate, litter, bedding and nesting material

(See paragraph 4.8. of the General section)

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4.7.

Cleaning

(See paragraph 4.9. of the General section)

4.8.

Handling

If handling and restraint facilities are required, these should be of robust construction and safe for animals and
operators. In particular, a non-slip floor should be provided.

Handling and restraint facilities can take the form of basic equipment provided within the animal enclosure, or
more complex, dedicated facilities serving the needs of the whole establishment. Handling and restraint facilities
can be provided in the enclosure area, but care should be taken to ensure that these do not compromise space
allowances or create a potentially hazardous physical obstruction in the enclosure.

The dedicated facilities should, where possible, incorporate races and pens for separating animals; footbaths;
special facilities for some species such as plunge dip baths and shearing pens for sheep; and an area to allow
animals to recover after treatments. Ideally these facilities should be protected from prevailing weather conditions
for the comfort of both animals and operators.

Animals should be handled quietly and firmly and not be rushed along races and passageways. These should be
designed, taking account of the natural behaviour of the animals, to facilitate ease of movement and minimise the
risk of injury. Immobilisation devices should not cause injury or unnecessary distress. Aversive stimuli, physical or
electrical, should not be used.

Passages and gates should be of sufficient width to permit two animals to pass freely, whereas races should be of
width only to permit one-way movement.

Regular handling will allow habituation of animals to human contact. Where frequent handling is required, a
programme of training and positive rewards should be considered to minimise fear and distress.

Animals should not be closely confined except for the duration of any examination, treatment or sampling, whilst
accommodation is being cleaned, collecting for milking, or loading for transport.

4.9.

Humane killing

All systems for the humane killing of farm animals should be designed to ensure that animals are not caused
unnecessary distress. Careful handling by experienced staff, with minimum disruption to normal practices, will
minimise distress to the animals, before they are humanely killed.

Killing should not be performed in areas where other animals are present, unless in the case of euthanasia of a
badly injured animal where additional suffering may be caused by moving the animal.

4.10.

Records

(See paragraph 4.12. of the General section)

4.11.

Identification

Animals should be individually identified by the appropriate use of transponders, ear tags, plastic neck collars
and/or rumen boluses. Freeze branding and tattooing may be less suitable. Hot branding should not be used.

Identification devices should only be applied by trained personnel and at times when the procedure is likely to
have minimal adverse effects on the animal. Tagged or tattooed ears should be checked regularly for signs of
infection and lost tags should be replaced using the original tag hole where possible.

If electronic devices of identification are used, they should be of the correct size and specification for the animal
and should be checked regularly for function and the absence of any adverse reactions, for example, injection site
reactions and rubbing or pharyngeal trauma as a result of improper bolus administration.

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b.

1.

Additional guidelines for housing and care of cattle

Introduction

Cattle (Bos taurus and Bos indicus) are social animals forming hierarchies based on dominance relationships among
herd members. They will frequently develop affinity relationships with conspecifics. As ruminants, cattle spend
much of the day foraging, followed by long rest periods. Cattle are normally docile and are easily habituated to
human contact.

2.

The environment and its control

(See paragraph 2 of the General considerations for farm animals and mini-pigs)

3.

Health

(See paragraph 3 of the General considerations for farm animals and mini-pigs)

4.

Housing, enrichment and care

4.1.

Housing

Horned and polled animals should not be mixed, except for young calves and their mothers.

4.2.

Enclosures — dimensions and flooring

Table G.1.

Cattle: Minimum enclosure dimensions and space allowances

Body weight
(kg)

Minimum
enclosure size
(m2)

Minimum floor
area/animal
(m2/animal)

Trough space for
ad-libitum
feeding of polled
cattle (m/animal)

Trough space for
restricted feeding of
polled cattle
(m/animal)

Up to 100

over 100 to 200

over 200 to 400

over 400 to 600

over 600 to 800

over 800

2,50

4,25

6,00

9,00

11,00

16,00

2,30

3,40

4,80

7,50

8,75

10,00

0,10

0,15

0,18

0,21

0,24

0,30

0,30

0,50

0,60

0,70

0,80

1,00

Where cattle are housed indoors, a bedded area sufficient to allow all of the animals to lie simultaneously will be
provided. Where cubicles are not provided, this area will normally be approximately 70 % of the minimum floor
area shown in the above table. The remainder of the enclosure can be non-bedded for feeding and exercise.

If individual open-ended cubicles are provided as the bedded area, this area may be reduced in size, but the total
number of cubicles should exceed animal numbers by 5 % to reduce competition and permit all animals to lie
simultaneously. The design of cubicles is critical to their comfort, and specialist advice should be sought before
installation. It should include consideration of the body size of the animal, a surface sufficiently cushioned to
prevent injury, adequate stall drainage, correctly positioned stall dividers and head rails, lateral and vertical
freedom for head movement and adequate lunging space. The height of the rear step should prevent dung
entering the cubicle during cleaning, but not be of such a height that it causes damage to the feet during ingress
and exit. The remainder of the enclosure can be non-bedded for feeding and exercise.

Cubicle length is primarily determined by the weight of the animals. Cubicle width will vary, depending on the
type of division used, but must be sufficient to allow the animals to lie comfortably without undue pressure being
exerted by the divisions on vulnerable parts of the body. Specialist advice should be sought on the design and
installation of cubicles.

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4.3.

Feeding

The trough space provided will allow all animals to feed at the same time, unless the diet is available ad libitum
(see above table). Horned cattle require more trough space than polled animals, and due allowance should be
made for this.

4.4.

Watering

Water troughs: there should be sufficient linear trough space to allow 10 % of the animals to drink at one time.
This equates to a minimum of 0,3 metres per 10 adult cattle. Lactating dairy cows will require 50 % more space.

Water bowls: a minimum of two water bowls should be provided when cattle are group-housed. For groups of
over twenty cattle, at least one drinking bowl for ten animals should be provided.

4.5.

Handling

Where animals are milked by machine, equipment should be maintained to a high standard to prevent diseases
such as mastitis.

Horned cattle may present a danger to personnel in confined spaces. Under these circumstances, it may be
necessary to consider dehorning. Wherever possible, this should be carried out on calves under the age of eight
weeks.

c.

1.

Additional guidelines for housing and care of sheep and goats

Introduction

Sheep (Ovis aries) are grazing animals which, because of differences between breeds,
characteristics, will thrive in a wide range of climatic conditions.

for example fleece

Under natural or farming conditions, sheep are very social, spending all their lives close to other members of the
flock whom they recognise individually. As a species, they are therefore particularly disturbed by social isolation, a
factor which should be taken into account when designing animal accommodation. However, in terms of social
cohesion there are recognisable variations between breeds as, for example, hill sheep tend not to flock closely
together when left undisturbed.

Goats (Capra hircus) are a naturally inquisitive species and generally interact well with other animal species and
humans. Like sheep, goats live in social groups and are disturbed by social isolation. Goats obtain their food by
browsing more than by grazing and are best adapted to dry, firm ground. Their ability to climb is considerable
and this facilitates their browsing. They prefer warm conditions and do not tolerate wet and windy conditions
well.

2.

The environment and its control

Under extreme conditions, sheep will require access to natural or artificial wind-break shelter and shade, whilst
different coat characteristics mean that goats are less tolerant of prolonged rain and should have free access to
roofed shelter areas whilst outside.

Recently shorn animals may need higher environmental temperatures than fleeced animals.

3.

Health

Adult sheep and goats of wool breeds should be shorn at least once per year, unless this would compromise their
welfare.

4.

Housing, enrichment and care

4.1.

Housing

Entire adult males from both species can be more solitary than females and young offspring. They may be
aggressive, particularly during the breeding season, requiring careful management to reduce the risks of fighting
and injury to handlers.

Horned and polled goats should not be housed together.

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4.2.

Enrichment

Sufficient raised areas of appropriate size and quantity to prevent dominant animals impeding access should be
provided for goats.

4.3.

Enclosures — dimensions and flooring

Table G.2.

Sheep and Goats: Minimum enclosure dimensions and space allowances

Body weight
(kg)

Minimum
enclosure size
(m2)

Minimum floor
area/animal
(m2/animal)

Minimum
partition
height (*)
(m)

Trough space
for ad-libitum
feeding
(m/animal)

Trough space for
restricted feeding
(m/animal)

Up to 20

over 20 to 35

over 35 to 60

over 60

1,0

1,5

2,0

3,0

0,7

1,0

1,5

1,8

1,0

1,2

1,2

1,5

0,10

0,10

0,12

0,12

0,25

0,30

0,40

0,50

(*)

For adult goats, an increased minimum partition height may be required to prevent escape.

The entire enclosure should have a solid floor with appropriate bedding provided.

4.4.

Watering

In indoor enclosures for sheep and goats at least one drinking point per twenty animals should be provided.

4.5.

Identification

Dyeing the fleece or coat using recognised non-toxic agricultural marker products may be used for short-term
experiments in short-wool breeds of sheep and in goats.

d.

1.

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

Introduction

The domestic pig (Sus scrofa) is descended from the European wild boar. Although subject to intensive selection
pressure over many generations for production characteristics of economic importance, domesticated pigs have
largely retained the same behavioural repertoire as their ancestors. Under unrestricted conditions, they live in
small family groups, show a crepuscular diurnal rhythm and have strongly developed exploratory behaviour. They
are omnivorous and a large part of their active time is spent foraging for food. At birth, sows farrow in social
isolation and construct a nest prior to parturition. Weaning is gradual and is completed at about four months of
age, and piglets integrate gradually into the social group with little aggression.

Mini-pigs differ from the farm pig in many significant respects. A number of different mini-pig strains have been
developed by conventional breeding procedures in order to produce a small pig as a laboratory animal suitable for
research purposes. For the purpose of this annex, the mini-pig is considered as a small pig breed for usage for
experimental and other scientific purposes and with an adult body weight typically not exceeding 60 kg, but can
be as high as 150 kg in some strains. Because of this difference in body size at maturity, recommendations for
farm pigs cannot always be extrapolated on a simple weight basis. Recommendations in this document apply to
both types of pig, with specific requirements of mini-pigs annotated where necessary.

2.

The environment and its control

2.1.

Temperature

Pigs and mini-pigs are highly sensitive to environmental temperature and place a high behavioural priority on
thermoregulation.

Pigs may be kept in a uniform, temperature-controlled environment, in which case the whole room should be
maintained within the thermoneutral zone. Alternatively, they may be kept in an enclosure with different

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microclimates, by providing localised heating or kennelling of the lying area and provision of adequate bedding
material. A temperature gradient within the enclosure is considered beneficial. Outdoor pigs can compensate for
lower ambient temperature provided that adequate shelter, with plentiful dry bedding, and additional food is
provided.

Table G.3.

Pigs and minipigs: Guideline temperature ranges for single-housed animals

Liveweight

Recommended temperature range ( oC)

Less than 3 kg

from 3 to 8 kg

over 8 to 30 kg

over 30 to 100 kg

over 100 kg

30 to 36

26 to 30

22 to 26

18 to 22

15 to 20

In addition to body weight, suitable temperatures will vary according to sexual maturity, the presence or absence
of bedding, group housing, and the caloric intake of the animal. Within the ranges given, animals of lower body
weight, without bedding or with restricted caloric intake should be provided with the higher temperatures.

Piglets of low body weight are very sensitive to environmental temperature and should be provided with higher
temperatures. Litters of newborn piglets should be offered a lying area minimum of 30 oC, decreasing to 26 oC at
the age of two weeks. For farrowing/lactation rooms, the minimum room temperature necessary is that required
to allow an adequate temperature to be maintained in the piglet lying area, taking account of any local heat supply.
Because of their high metabolic activity, lactating sows are prone to heat stress and farrowing room temperatures
should ideally not exceed 24 oC.

3.

Health

(See paragraph 3 of the general considerations for farm animals and mini-pigs)

4.

Housing, enrichment and care

4.1.

Enrichment

Pigs show spatial separation of different behaviours such as lying, feeding and excretion. Enclosures should
therefore allow for the establishment of separate functional areas by providing either plentiful space or
appropriate subdivision of the enclosure area.

Pigs have a high motivation to explore and should be provided with an environment of sufficient complexity to
allow expression of species-specific exploratory behaviour. All pigs should at all times have access to adequate
amounts of materials for investigation and manipulation, including rooting, in order to reduce the risk of
behavioural disorders.

4.2.

Enclosures — dimensions and flooring

Table G.4. indicates the minimum space requirement for an animal at any given liveweight. Enclosures should be
designed to accommodate the highest liveweight that pigs will finally reach in any given circumstance. The
number of enclosure changes should be minimised.

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Table G.4.

Pigs and Minipigs: Minimum enclosure dimensions and space allowances

Liveweight (kg)

Minimum enclosure
size (*)
(m2)

Minimum floor area
per animal
(m2/animal)

Minimum lying space per
animal (in, thermoneutral
conditions)
(m2/animal)

Up to 5

over 5 to 10

over 10 to 20

over 20 to 30

over 30 to 50

over 50 to 70

over 70 to 100

over 100 to 150

over 150

Adult (conventional) boars

2,0

2,0

2,0

2,0

2,0

3,0

3,0

4,0

5,0

7,5

0,20

0,25

0,35

0,50

0,70

0,80

1,00

1,35

2,50

0,10

0,11

0,18

0,24

0,33

0,41

0,53

0,70

0,95

1,30

(*)

Pigs may be confined in smaller enclosures for short periods of time, for example by partitioning the main enclosure using
dividers, when justified on veterinary or experimental grounds, for example where individual food consumption is required.

Where pigs are housed individually or in small groups, greater space allowances per animal are required than for
those in larger groups.

Pigs should not be tethered at any time, and should not be confined in stalls or crates except for short periods of
time necessary for feeding, insemination, veterinary or experimental purposes. The accommodation for sows and
piglets should enable the fulfilment of the special behaviour patterns of the sow before and after parturition, and
those of the piglets after birth. Thus, although the use of farrowing crates can safeguard piglet survival and welfare
under some conditions, the close confinement of sows during the perinatal and suckling periods should be
limited as far as possible and loose housing systems should be aimed at.

The most appropriate flooring material will depend on the size and weight of the pigs. To facilitate provision of
rooting/nesting substrate, it is desirable to provide a solid floor in the lying area of the pen. Slatted floors can be
of value in facilitating good hygiene, but the slat and void dimensions should be appropriate to the size of the pigs
in order to prevent foot injuries.

4.3.

Feeding

Pigs kept for meat production are typically fed ad libitum until approaching maturity, after which restricted
feeding practices are necessary to avoid obesity. Mini-pigs are prone to become obese on conventional pig diets.
Special reduced calorie diets with increased fibre content help to prevent this problem. Where feed restriction is
necessary, pigs will show increased foraging motivation which can be expressed as increased activity and
aggression, and development of stereotyped oral behaviours. To avoid these problems it is important to modify
diets to enhance satiety, for example by provision of increased dietary fibre, and to provide an appropriate
foraging substrate such as straw.

With restricted feeding practices, young growing animals should be fed at least twice daily, whereas mature
animals should be fed once daily, as an adequate meal size is important for the animal to reach satiety, and will
minimise aggression. Where feeding is restricted, all individuals within the social group should have access to feed
without causing aggression. Adequate trough space should be provided to ensure that animals can feed
simultaneously. Recommended requirements are given in Table G.5. Where animals are housed singly or in small
groups, the minimum trough space should be that for restricted feeding. When animals are housed in larger
groups and fed ad libitum, trough space can be shared and a lower total space is required.

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Table G.5.

Pigs and minipigs: Minimum feeding trough space allowances

Liveweight (kg)

Minimum trough space (cm)
(ad-libitum and restricted feed-
ing (*))

Minimum trough space per animal
on ad-libitum feeding
(cm/animal)

Up to 10

Over 10 to 20

Over 20 to 30

Over 30 to 50

Over 50 to 70

Over 70 to 100

Over 100 to 150

Over 150

13

16

18

22

24

27

31

40

2,0

2,5

3,0

3,5

4,0

4,5

5,0

7,0

(*)

Each animal on restricted feeding should be provided with at least the minimum trough space allowance.

4.4.

Watering

As pigs are particularly sensitive to the consequences of water deprivation, in cases where they are group-housed,
at least two drinking points per unit — or a large bowl allowing more than one pig to drink at the same time —
should be provided to prevent dominant animals impeding access to the drinking point. To achieve this, the
following drinking space allowances are recommended.

Table G.6.

Pigs and minipigs: Minimum drinking point allowances

Drinker type

No. of pigs per drinking point

Nipple or bite drinkers

Large bowl drinkers (which allow at least two pigs to
drink at the same time)

10

20

Where pigs housed in larger groups are watered from an open trough, the minimum length of trough perimeter
with access to water should be that allowing a single pig unimpeded access (as indicated in Table G.5. for restricted
feeding space), or 12,5 mm of trough length per pig, whichever is the greater.

Table G.7.

Pigs and minipigs: minimum drinking water flow rates for pigs

Type of pig

Minimum water flow rate (ml/min)

Weaners

Growers

Dry sows and boars

Lactating sows

500

700

1 000

1 500

4.5.

Substrate, litter, bedding and nesting material

Bedding contributes to pig welfare in many ways. It enhances physical and thermal comfort (except in hot
environmental conditions), can be eaten to provide gut fill and enhance satiety, and provides a substrate for
foraging and nest-building behaviours. The extent to which each of these different benefits can be provided will
depend on the nature of the bedding, with long straw providing the best overall material but alternatives such as

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chopped straw, sawdust, wood shavings and shredded paper conferring some benefits. Bedding should be non-
toxic and, where possible, provide structural diversity to stimulate exploratory behaviour. Bedding should be
provided for all pigs, unless precluded for experimental reasons, and is particularly important for farrowing sows,
which have a strong motivation to perform nest-building behaviour, and for pigs on restricted feeding regimes,
which have a strong motivation to express foraging behaviour.

e.

1.

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

Introduction

Equines evolved as grazers of open grasslands, and domestic horses and ponies (Equus caballus) and donkeys (Equus
asinus) have retained the behavioural repertoire of their ancestors. In the feral or free-ranging state, equines live in
herds separated into small family groups or bands typically comprising one stallion, with several mares, foals and
yearlings. The social structure develops as a clearly defined hierarchy, and individual animals within a group often
form close pair bonds which it is important to recognise and maintain if possible. Mutual body care is a
particularly important element in their social life.

Unlike ruminants, equines may graze continuously for many hours and under natural conditions they will spend
fourteen to sixteen hours daily at this activity. Although their natural food is grass, herbs, and leaves, they are very
selective regarding their choice of grass species and which part of the plant to eat. Their normal daily pattern is to
graze, move a few steps and graze again. In this way they exercise as well as feed, and can cover long distances in a
twenty-four hour period.

Ideally, management systems for equines should accommodate their natural behaviour, in particular the need to
graze, exercise, and socialise. They are flight animals and hence easily startled and this should also be taken into
account.

2.

The environment and its control

2.1.

Temperature

Rugs can be used in cool conditions, especially if hair has been clipped, but these should be removed and checked
daily.

The mane and tail of equines provide protection from adverse weather conditions and from flies and should not
be removed or cut short. Where manes and tails need to be shortened or tidied this should be achieved by
trimming rather than by pulling.

3.

Health

(See paragraph 3 of the General considerations for farm animals and mini-pigs)

4.

Housing, enrichment and care

4.1.

Enclosures — dimensions and flooring

Ideally, equines should be kept at pasture or have access to pasture for at least six hours a day. Where equines are
kept with minimal or no access to grazing then additional roughage should be provided to extend the time spent
feeding and reduce boredom.

In indoor enclosures, group-housing systems are preferred since these provide opportunities for socialisation and
exercise. For horses it is essential that great care is taken to ensure social compatibility of groups

The total space requirement for indoor enclosures will depend on whether animals also have daily access to
additional areas for grazing and/or other forms of exercise. The figures below assume that such additional areas
will be provided. If not, then space allowances should be increased significantly.

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Table G.8.

Equines: Minimum enclosure dimensions and space allowances

Minimum floor area/animal
(m2/animal)

Wither height
(m)

For each animal
held singly or in
groups of up to 3
animals

For each animal
held in groups of
4 or more
animals

Foaling box/mare
with foal

Minimum enclosure
height (m)

1,00 to 1,40

over 1,40 to 1,60

over 1,60

9,0

12,0

16,0

6,0

9,0

(2 × WH)2 (*)

16

20

20

3,00

3,00

3,00

(*) To ensure adequate space is provided, space allowances for each individual animal should be based on height to withers (WH).

The shortest side should be a minimum of 1,5 × the wither height of the animal.

The height of indoor enclosures should allow animals to rear to their full height to safeguard the welfare of the
animals.

Slatted floors should not be used for equines.

4.2.

Feeding

Incorrect feeding of equines can have very serious welfare implications, causing illnesses such as colic and
laminitis.

Since they naturally graze for long periods, they should ideally have constant access to forage in the form of fresh
grass, hay, silage or straw. Where they are not given the opportunity to graze, they should be provided with a
suitable quantity of long fibre/roughage every day. Where possible roughage should be fed on the ground or in
suitably designed round bale feeders. Hay nets and racks should be designed and positioned to minimise risk of
injury.

If ‘hard’ (concentrate) feed is offered to animals, particularly where the animals are housed in groups the feeding
order should, where possible, follow the herd order of dominance. Where possible individuals should be fed
separately. If this is not possible feeding points should be spaced at least 2,4 m apart and there should be at least
one point per animal. Horses fed with concentrates need to be given small amounts of feed frequently.

4.3.

Watering

Horses prefer to drink from an open water surface, and this should be provided where possible. If automatic water
nipple drinkers are used, animals may need to be trained to use them.

4.4.

Identification

Ear tags and tattooing should not be used in equines. If identification other than coat colour is required then
transponders should be used. Numbered head-collars and hanging tags for halters have also been used successfully
for identification.

H.

a.

1.

SPECIES-SPECIFIC GUIDELINES FOR BIRDS

General considerations

Introduction

Birds are used for a broad range of purposes including fundamental research, applied veterinary medical studies
and toxicology. Domestic fowl and turkeys are the most common laboratory birds and are often used in
developmental studies and for the production of biological materials such as tissue and antibodies. Domestic
poultry are also the most commonly used species in bird welfare research. Fowl are used for pharmaceutical safety
and efficacy evaluation, whereas quail and other birds are more frequently the subjects of ecotoxicology studies.

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The other, less commonly used species such as the pigeon and wild birds are generally used in psychology and
fundamental physiology or zoology research. Catching wild birds to use as experimental animals should be
avoided unless it is necessary for the purposes of the experiment.

Although birds are essentially built for flight and share the same basic body plan, they have an extremely diverse
range of adaptations for locomotion and feeding. Most species are adapted to range over relatively large, three-
dimensional areas by one or more means of locomotion including flying, walking, running, swimming or diving,
both while foraging and during migration. Many species of birds are highly social and should be kept in stable
groups wherever possible.

Additional details are provided for the commonly bred and used laboratory species. It is essential that the housing
and care of less commonly used species not included below pay due regard to their behavioural, physiological and
social requirements. Housing, husbandry and care protocols for such species should be researched before birds are
obtained or used. Advice on requirements for other species (or if behavioural or breeding problems occur) should
be sought from experts and care staff to ensure that any particular species needs are adequately addressed.
Information and guidance on less commonly used species is available in the background information document.

During agricultural research when the aim of the research requires that the animals are kept under similar
conditions to those under which commercial farm animals are kept, the keeping of the animals should at least
follow the standards laid down in Directive 98/58/EC and in the specific Directive for the protection of laying
hens (Council Directive 1999/74/EC (5)) as well as in the Recommendations adopted under the Council of Europe
Convention for the Protection of Animals kept for Farming Purposes (ETS No 87).

Many of the potential welfare problems specific to birds are associated with inappropriate pecking behaviour. This
can be divided into aggressive pecking; feather pecking (where individuals either peck at other birds' feathers or
pluck and pull at their own); and pecking at the skin of other birds, which can cause serious suffering and
mortality if unchecked. The cause of inappropriate pecking is not always clear, but it is often possible to avoid
outbreaks by rearing chicks with access to substrate that enables them to forage and peck appropriately. Chicks of
all species should therefore be housed on solid floors with litter.

Prevention is especially important because fowl are attracted to damaged feathers, and the presence of a few
feather-pecked birds may therefore lead to the rapid spread of injurious pecking. There are a number of measures
that should be employed to avoid outbreaks of injurious pecking wherever possible and to reduce or prevent this
behaviour should it occur. These include providing alternative pecking substrates such as foraging substrate,
bunches of string, pecking blocks or straw; providing visual barriers; periodically or temporarily lowering the light
intensity or using red light; and using light sources that emit UV rays. Anti-pecking sprays are commercially
available and can be used to reduce the incidence of injurious pecking in the short term, but it will still be
necessary to address the underlying causes of the behaviour. Some strains of domestic bird have been selectively
bred so that inappropriate pecking is reduced and such strains should be researched and used wherever possible.

Methods which cause pain or distress, such as very low lighting (i.e. below 20 lux) for prolonged periods, or for
physical modifications such as beak trimming, should not be used.

Birds housed in a poor quality environment that does not permit them to forage, exercise or interact with
conspecifics will experience chronic distress that may be indicated by stereotypic behaviour, for example self-
mutilation, feather pecking, and pacing. Such behaviour may be indicative of serious welfare problems and should
lead to an immediate review of housing, husbandry and care.

2.

The environment and its control

2.1.

Ventilation

Many species are especially susceptible to draughts. Measures should therefore be in place to ensure that
individuals do not become chilled. Accumulation of dust and gases such as carbon dioxide and ammonia should
be kept to a minimum.

(5) OJ L 203, 3.8.1999, p. 53.

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2.2.

Temperature

Where appropriate, birds should be provided with a range of temperatures so that they can exercise a degree of
choice over their thermal environment. All healthy adult quail, pigeon and domestic ducks, geese, fowl and
turkeys should be housed at temperatures between 15 oC and 25 oC. It is essential to take account of the
interaction between temperature and relative humidity, as some species will suffer from heat stress within the
prescribed temperature range if relative humidity is too high. For species where there are no published guidelines
on temperature and humidity, the climate experienced in the wild throughout the year should be researched and
replicated as closely as possible. Higher room temperatures than those indicated or a localised source of
supplementary heat such as a brooder lamp may be required for sick or juvenile birds (see Table H.1.below).

Table H.1.

Guidelines for temperatures and relative humidities for domestic fowl and turkeys, G. gallus domesticus
and Meleagris gallopavo

Age (days)

Under lamp (°C)

Ambient temperature
in room (°C)

Relative humidity ( %)

Up to 1

Over 1 to 7

Over 7 to 14

Over 14 to 21

Over 21 to 28

Over 28 to 35

Over 35

35

32

29

26

24

—

—

25 to 30

22 to 27

19 to 25

18 to 25

18 to 25

18 to 25

15 to 25

60 to 80

60 to 80

40 to 80

40 to 80

40 to 80

40 to 80

40 to 80

The chicks' behaviour should be used as a guide when setting brooder lamp temperature.

If thermally comfortable, chicks of all species will be evenly spaced in the enclosure and making a moderate
amount of noise; quiet chicks may be too hot and chicks making noisy distress calls may be too cold.

2.3.

Humidity

Relative humidity should be maintained within the range of 40 to 80 % for healthy, adult, domestic birds.

2.4.

Lighting

Light quality and quantity are critically important for some species at certain times of the year for normal
physiological functioning. Appropriate light and dark regimes for each species, life stage and time of year should
be known before animals are acquired.

Lights should not be abruptly switched off or on, but should be dimmed and raised in a gradual fashion. This is
especially important when housing birds capable of flight. Dim night-lights may facilitate movement at night for
heavy-bodied poultry strains. Where provided, care should be taken to ensure that circadian rhythms are not
disrupted.

2.5.

Noise

Some birds, for example the pigeon, are considered to be able to hear very low frequency sounds. Although
infrasound (sound below 16 Hz) is unlikely to cause distress, birds should be housed away from any equipment
that emits low frequency vibrations whenever possible.

3.

Health

Captive-bred birds should be used wherever possible. Wild birds may present special problems in terms of their
behaviour and health when in a laboratory situation. A longer period of quarantine and habituation to captive
conditions is generally required before they are used in scientific procedures.

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Careful health monitoring and parasite control should minimise health risks in birds with outdoor access.

4.

Housing, enrichment and care

Birds should be housed in enclosures which facilitate and encourage a range of desirable natural behaviours,
including social behaviour, exercise and foraging. Many birds will benefit from housing that allows them to go
outdoors and the feasibility of this should be evaluated with respect to the potential to cause distress or to conflict
with experimental aims. Some form of cover such as shrubs should always be provided outdoors to encourage
birds to use all the available area.

4.1.

Housing

Birds 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 birds or
introducing an unfamiliar bird to a group. In all cases, groups should be monitored for social compatibility on an
ongoing basis.

Single-housing of birds for even short periods can be a significant stress factor. Therefore, birds should not be
single-housed unless justified on welfare or veterinary 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.

Most species of bird are social for at least part of the year and highly sensitive to family relationships, so the
formation of appropriate, stable, harmonious groups should be given a high priority. As there are significant
species variations, the optimal composition of groups, and at what stage in the birds' lives these should be created
should be known before groups are formed and procedures are undertaken.

4.2.

Enrichment

A stimulating environment is a very important contributor to good bird welfare. Perches, dust and water baths,
suitable nest sites and nesting material, pecking objects and substrate for foraging should be provided for species
and individuals that will benefit from them unless there is scientific or veterinary justification for withholding
such items. Birds should be encouraged to use all three dimensions of their housing for foraging, exercise and
social interactions including play wherever possible.

4.3.

Enclosures — dimensions and flooring

Guidelines for enclosure dimensions are set out in the species-specific guidelines for domestic fowl, domestic
turkeys, quail, ducks and geese, pigeons and zebra finches. All birds, especially species that spend a significant
proportion of their time walking, such as quail or fowl, should be housed on solid floors with substrate rather
than on grid floors. Birds can be prone to foot problems, for example, overgrown claws, faecal accumulation and
foot lesions such as foot-pad dermatitis due to standing on wet litter, on any type of flooring, and so frequent
monitoring of foot condition is always necessary. In practice, it may be necessary to consider a compromise
between solid-and grid flooring for scientific purposes. In such cases, birds should be provided with solid-floored
resting areas occupying at least a third of the enclosure floor. Grid areas should be located under perches if faecal
collection is required. To reduce the incidence of foot injuries, slats made of plastic should be used in preference to
wire mesh wherever possible. If wire mesh has to be used, it should be of a suitable grid size to adequately support
the foot and the wire should have rounded edges and be plastic coated.

4.4.

Feeding

Feeding patterns of wild birds vary widely and consideration should be given to the nature of the food, the way in
which it is presented and the times at which it is made available. Diets that will meet the nutritional requirements
of each species and promote natural foraging behaviour should be researched and formulated before any animals
are obtained. Part of the diet or additional treats should be scattered on the enclosure floor to encourage foraging
wherever appropriate. Dietary enrichment benefits birds, so additions such as fruit, vegetables, seeds or
invertebrates should be considered where appropriate even if it is not possible to feed birds on their ‘natural’ diet.
Where new foods are introduced, the previous diet should always be available so that birds will not go hungry if
they are unwilling to eat new foods. Some species are more adaptable than others and advice should be sought on
appropriate dietary regimes.

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As some species, particularly granivores, require grit to digest their food, these should be provided with
appropriately-sized grit. Birds will select grit of the size they prefer if material of various sizes is provided. The grit
should be renewed regularly. Dietary calcium and phosphorus should also be provided for birds in an appropriate
form and at an appropriate level for each life stage, to prevent nutritional bone disease. Any such requirements
should be thoroughly researched and catered for. Food can be supplied in feeders that are either attached to the
side of the enclosure or standing on the enclosure floor. Space occupied by floor feeders is not available to the
birds and should not be included in calculations of pen area. Wall mounted feeders do not occupy floor space but
should be designed and fitted with care so that birds cannot become trapped underneath them. Chicks of some
species (for example, domestic turkeys) may need to be taught to feed and drink in order to avoid dehydration and
potential starvation. Food for all species should be clearly visible and provided at several points to help prevent
feeding problems.

4.5.

Watering

Water should be provided via nipple or cup drinkers, or as a continuous drinking channel. There should be
sufficient drinkers or an adequate length of channel drinker to prevent dominant birds from monopolising them.
One nipple or cup drinker should be provided for every three or four birds, with a minimum of two in each
enclosure. Supplementary water may also be given as enrichment in birds' feed if appropriate.

4.6.

Substrate, litter, bedding and nesting material

Suitable substrates for birds should be absorbent, unlikely to cause foot lesions and of an appropriate particle size
to minimise dust and prevent excessive accumulation on the birds' feet. Suitable substrates include chipped bark,
white wood shavings, chopped straw or washed sand, but not sandpaper. Litter should be maintained in a dry,
friable condition and be sufficiently deep to dilute and absorb faeces. Other suitable floor coverings include plastic
artificial turf or deep pile rubber mats. A suitable pecking substrate such as pieces of straw should be scattered
over the floor.

Hatchlings and juvenile birds should be provided with a substrate that they can grip to avoid developmental
problems such as splayed legs. Juvenile birds should also be encouraged if necessary, for instance by tapping with
the fingers, to peck at the substrate to help prevent subsequent misdirected pecking.

4.7.

Cleaning

(See paragraph 4.9. of the General section).

4.8.

Handling

Suitable equipment for catching and handling should be available, for example, well maintained nets in
appropriate sizes and darkened nets with padded rims for small birds.

If the experimental procedure requires adult birds to be handled regularly, it is recommended from a welfare and
experimental perspective to handle chicks frequently during rearing, as this reduces later fear of humans.

4.9.

Humane killing

The preferred method of killing for juvenile and adult birds is an overdose of anaesthetic using an appropriate
agent and route. This is preferable to carbon dioxide inhalation, as carbon dioxide may be aversive.

As diving birds and some others, for example, mallard ducks, can slow their heart rates and hold their breath for
long periods, care should be taken when killing such species by inhalation to ensure that they do not recover.
Ducks, diving birds and very young chicks should not be killed using carbon dioxide.

4.10.

Records

(See paragraph 4.12. of the General section)

4.11.

Identification

Non-invasive or minimally invasive methods such as noting physical differences, ringing with either closed or
split rings and staining or dyeing the feathers are preferable to more invasive techniques such as electronic tagging
or wing tagging. Combinations of coloured leg rings minimise handling for identification, although due regard

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should be paid to any potential impact of colours on behaviour in some species. When using rings as temporary
marking for rapidly growing chicks, regular checking is essential to ensure that the ring is not impeding the
growth of the leg.

Highly invasive marking methods such as toe-clipping or web-punching cause suffering and should not be used.

b.

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

Domestic fowl (Gallus gallus domesticus) retain much of the biology and behaviour of the Jungle fowl from which
they were domesticated. Behaviours that are most important to the species are nesting (in females), perching and
using litter for foraging, scratching, pecking and dustbathing. Fowl are social and should be housed in groups of
around five to twenty birds, with fewer males than females in adult groups, for example, a ratio of 1 to 5.
Attempts have been made to select strains of fowl for reduced feather pecking or agonistic behaviour. The
existence of appropriate strains of this type should be determined, and the feasibility of acquiring them, should be
assessed for each project.

Laying hens should have access to nest boxes from at least two weeks before coming into lay and no later than 16
weeks of age. Single- or pair-housed birds should each have access to a nest box, with a ratio of at least one nest
box per two birds provided in larger groups. Nest boxes should be enclosed and large enough to allow one hen to
turn around. A loose substrate such as wood-shavings or straw should be supplied within nest boxes to promote
nesting behaviour. Substrate should be regularly replaced and kept clean.

Fowl should always be provided with the opportunity to perch, peck appropriate substrates, forage and dust-bathe
from one day old. Suitable materials for dust-bathing include sand or soft wood shavings.

Perches should be 3 to 4 cm in diameter and round with a flattened top. The optimum height above the floor
varies for different breeds, ages and housing conditions but perches should initially be fixed at 5 to 10 cm and for
older birds at 30 cm above the floor. Perch heights should be adjusted in response to the birds' behaviour by
seeing how easily birds can get on and off perches and move between them. All birds should be able to perch at
the same time and every adult bird should be allowed 15 cm of perch at each level. Especially during the
establishment of groups, birds should also be briefly observed during dark periods to confirm that all individuals
are roosting.

Fowl are highly motivated to perform ‘comfort behaviour’ such as wing flapping, feather ruffling and leg
stretching, which help to maintain strong leg bones. Birds should therefore be housed in floor enclosures large
enough to permit all of these behaviours whenever possible. Ideally, birds should be housed with outdoor access;
appropriate cover such as bushes is essential to encourage fowl to go outside.

Flooring for fowl should be solid, as this enables the provision of substrate to encourage foraging and possibly
help to reduce the incidence of feather pecking. If fowl need to be caged for scientific purposes, they should be
housed in enclosures designed to address behavioural requirements. If there are scientific reasons for not
providing a solid floor, a solid area with loose substrate and items such as bunches of string, pecking blocks, rope,
turf or straw should be provided for pecking.

Fowl strains developed for rapid growth rates (broilers) are highly susceptible to lameness and their use should be
avoided wherever possible. If broilers are used, individuals should be assessed for lameness at least weekly and
grown more slowly than those reared commercially unless growth rate is essential for the study.

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Table H.2.

Domestic fowl: Minimum enclosure dimensions and space allowances

Body mass (g)

Minimum
enclosure size
(m2)

Minimum area
per bird (m2)

Minimum height
(cm)

Minimum length of
feed trough per bird
(cm)

Up to 200

over 200 to 300

over 300 to 600

over 600 to 1 200

over 1 200 to 1 800

over 1 800 to 2 400

over 2 400

1,00

1,00

1,00

2,00

2,00

2,00

2,00

0,025

0,03

0,05

0,09

0,11

0,13

0,21

30

30

40

50

75

75

75

3

3

7

15

15

15

15

Where these minimum enclosures sizes cannot be provided for scientific reasons, the duration of the confinement
should be justified by the experimenter and determined in consultation with the animal technician and with the
In such
competent person charged with advisory duties in relation to the well-being of
circumstances, birds can be housed in smaller enclosures containing appropriate enrichment and with a
minimum floor area of 0,75 m2. These can be used to house two laying birds or small groups of birds in
accordance with the space allowances given above.

the animals.

c.

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

Wild turkeys regularly utilise a diverse range of environments and perform a variety of behaviours including dust-
bathing, foraging and hunting. The social behaviour of the wild turkey is complex, particularly during the
breeding season. Domestic turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) retain many of the characteristics of wild birds but there
are some fundamental differences, for example domestic turkeys are unable to fly but have retained the ability to
run quickly, and jump and glide, especially at younger ages.

Domestic turkeys are highly social and should not be single-housed. Stable groups should be formed as soon as
birds are acquired and adequate monitoring is essential as injurious feather-pecking and head-pecking can occur
from the first day of life.

Lameness is a common problem and needs to be carefully monitored. Veterinary advice should be sought on a
policy for dealing with lameness.

Turkeys should be provided with perches placed at a height where birds on the ground are not able easily to peck
and tug at the feathers of perching birds. However, if birds are older and less agile, the access to perches should be
facilitated by special equipment such as ramps. Where this is not possible, perches should be placed at a low
height (for example at 5 cm). The shape and size of the perch should be in accordance with the rapidly growing
claws of the birds. Perches should be ovoid or rectangular with smoothed corners and made of wood or plastic.

Substrate for dust-bathing should always be provided. Suitable materials are fresh sawdust or sand. Straw bales
may be used for enrichment and to provide a refuge from dominant birds, but will need to be frequently replaced
and older, heavier birds may need ramps to gain access to them.

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Table H.3.

Domestic Turkey: Minimum enclosure dimensions and space allowances

Body mass (kg)

Minimum
enclosure size
(m2)

Minimum area
per bird
(m2)

Minimum height
(cm)

Minimum length of
feed trough per bird
(cm)

Up to 0,3

over 0,3 to 0,6

over 0,6 to 1

over 1 to 4

over 4 to 8

over 8 to 12

over 12 to 16

over 16 to 20

over 20

2,00

2,00

2,00

2,00

2,00

2,00

2,00

2,00

3,00

0,13

0,17

0,30

0,35

0,40

0,50

0,55

0,60

1,00

50

50

100

100

100

150

150

150

150

3

7

15

15

15

20

20

20

20

All enclosure sides should be at least 1,5 m long. Where these minimum dimensions cannot be provided for
scientific reasons, the duration of the confinement should be justified by the experimenter and 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, birds can be housed in smaller enclosures containing
appropriate enrichment and with a minimum floor area of 0,75 m2 and a minimum height of 50 cm for birds
below 0,6 kg, 75 cm for birds below 4 kg, and 100 cm for birds over 4 kg. These can be used to house small
groups of birds in accordance with the space allowances given above.

d.

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

Wild quail live in small social groups and devote much of their time to scratching and foraging for seeds and
invertebrates on the ground. The preferred habitat of many species is dense vegetation such as grasslands, bushes
alongside rivers and cereal fields. Domestication does not appear substantially to have altered quail behaviour, so
it is essential to design housing systems that respect this and allow the provision of substrate for scratching,
pecking and dustbathing, nestboxes and cover wherever possible. The housing of quail in aviaries or pens as
opposed to cages is therefore strongly recommended.

Quail (Coturnix spp; Colinus virginianis; Lophortyx californica; Excalfactoria chinensis) should be group housed in either
all female or mixed-sex groups. Where the sexes are mixed, the ratio of males to females should be low (for
example, 1 to 4) to reduce aggression between males and injuries to females. It may be possible to pair-house
males if stable pairs are formed during rearing. The likelihood of aggressive pecking leading to skin lesions and
feather loss is reduced if quail are not kept under intensive conditions and established groups are not mixed.

Quail are capable of extremely rapid startle responses, which can lead to head injuries. Staff should therefore
always approach birds slowly and calmly and quail should be provided with cover and environmental enrichment,
especially early in life, in order to reduce fear. Quail chicks should have access to coloured objects such as balls,
tubing and cubes to alleviate fear of both human beings and novel stimuli in adult birds. Adult birds should be
given pecking objects such as stones, pine cones, balls and branches of vegetation. Sand, wood shaving or straw
substrate for foraging and a place to which the birds can withdraw should be provided, with additional dust baths
of sand or sawdust if the foraging substrate is not suitable for dust bathing. Laying hens should have access to nest
boxes and nesting material, such as hay.

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If quail need to be housed in cages, consideration should be given to combining enclosures and adding
enrichment items. Solid enclosure roofs may make birds feel safer, although this could result in unacceptably low
light levels in lower enclosures if birds are housed in racks. Birds should be cage-housed for the minimum possible
period because many welfare problems become more severe with age, especially in birds kept for one year or
more.

Table H.4.

Quail: Minimum enclosure dimensions and space allowances

Body mass (g)

Minimum
enclosure size
(m2)

Area per bird
pair-housed (m2)

Up to 150

over 150

1,00

1,00

0,5

0,6

Area per
additional bird
group-housed
(m2)

0,10

0,15

Minimum height
(cm) (*)

Minimum length of
trough per bird
(cm)

20

30

4

4

(*) The enclosure roof should be made of pliant material to reduce the risk of head injuries.

e.

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

Domestic ducks and geese commonly used in research and testing include Anas platyrhynchos, Anser anser
domesticus and Cairina moschata. All waterfowl are primarily adapted for locomotion and feeding in water, which is
also very important for ‘comfort’ behaviours such as bathing and preening. Ducks and geese should be provided
with a pond with a mixture of stones and grit on the bottom, both to increase the birds' behavioural repertoire
and to encourage adequate maintenance of the feathers. The very minimum that waterfowl should be able to do is
immerse their heads under water and shake water over the body. Drinkers and ponds for waterfowl should be
located over grid areas with drains beneath to reduce flooding.

Domestic geese and ducks have been selected for meat and egg production, but all breeds retain most of their
‘wild type’ behaviour and are generally more nervous and easily upset than other domestic birds, especially when
they are moulting.

Within twenty-four hours of hatching and throughout the first week of life, water should be provided to facilitate
swimming behaviour, but care should be taken to minimise the risk of drowning by, for example, the use of a
shallow bowl. After the first week, a shallow pond (dimensions as in table H.5) with large stones on the bottom
should be provided with food or grit scattered among the stones to encourage dabbling or diving, as appropriate.
In the absence of the parent birds, access to ponds for juvenile birds should only be under supervision to ensure
that they can leave the water and do not become chilled. This should continue until they are clearly capable of
leaving the water unaided and their waterproof feathers have begun to emerge. It is not necessary to control the
temperature of the water. Ponds should be regularly cleaned and water replaced as necessary to ensure good water
quality.

Ducks and geese should be housed on solid floors and have sufficient space to permit foraging, walking, running
and wing flapping. A complex environment should be provided, including for example natural or artificial cover,
boxes and straw bales. Ducks and geese should always be kept outdoors or have access to outdoor runs unless
there is scientific or veterinary justification for keeping them indoors. Birds housed with outside access should be
kept secure from predators and should be supplied with a dry shelter to enable them to rest. Vegetation for cover
and/or grazing should be provided as applicable. Serious consideration should be given to supplying other
features of the habitat that are likely to be important to each species whether birds are housed indoors or
outdoors. This includes shallow water with vegetation for dabbling ducks, turf for geese and deeper water with
large stones for species whose natural habitat is along rocky coastlines.

Ducks and geese should be housed in appropriately sized groups wherever possible and the amount of time when
any individual is left alone should be minimised. Many species become territorial during the breeding season,
however, so it may be necessary to reduce group sizes and ensure that there is sufficient enclosure space to reduce
the risk of injury, particularly to female birds.

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Table H.5.

Ducks and geese: Minimum enclosure dimensions and space allowances

Body mass (g)

Ducks

Up to 300

over 300 to 1 200 (**)

over 1 200 to 3 500

over 3 500

Geese

Up to 500

over 500 to 2 000

over 2 000

Minimum
enclosure size
(m2)

Area per bird
(m2) (*)

Minimum height
(cm)

Minimum length of
feed trough per bird
(cm)

2,00

2,00

2,00

2,00

2,00

2,00

2,00

0,10

0,20

0,25

0,50

0,20

0,33

0,50

50

200

200

200

200

200

200

10

10

15

15

10

15

15

(*) This should include a pond of minimum area 0,5 m2 per 2 m2 enclosure with a minimum depth of 30 cm. The pond may

contribute up to 50 % of the minimum enclosure size.

(**) Pre-fledged birds may be held in enclosures with a minimum height of 75 cm.

Where these minimum enclosure sizes cannot be provided for scientific reasons, the duration of the confinement
should be justified by the experimenter and determined in consultation with the animal technician and with the
In such
competent person charged with advisory duties in relation to the well-being of
circumstances, birds can be housed in smaller enclosures containing appropriate enrichment and with a
minimum floor area of 0,75 m2. These can be used to house small groups of birds in accordance with the space
allowances given below.

the animals.

f.

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

The various strains of domestic pigeon are believed to derive from the rock dove Columbia livia. Rock doves nest
and roost on cliffs or within caves, and feral pigeons will utilise sheltered ledges on man-made structures in the
same way. In their natural habitat pigeons usually occur in pairs to large flocks, feeding and roosting together, but
will defend roosting spaces and nesting areas. Pigeons can be housed in mixed groups, and may lay eggs but will
not incubate them if nest boxes are not provided.

Care should be taken when choosing a breed for laboratory use, as some strains may show abnormal or
undesirable behaviours and should therefore be avoided. Pigeons are primarily seed-eaters but are omnivorous, so
food containing animal protein should be offered regularly.

Pigeons should be allowed an area sufficient for flight wherever possible, with a separate perching area for each
bird along at least one wall of the enclosure. Box perches approximately 30 cm × 15 cm located in blocks should
be provided. Branches hung from the roof and scaffolding can also be used for perching. Toys hung from chains
should be provided, for example, bird bells, mirrors and commercially available toys designed for pets. Each
enclosure should have shallow water baths. Where pigeons need to be handled frequently,
‘nesting areas’ or
chambers can be provided so that birds can be trained to retreat to them for capture.

Larger, enriched enclosures with shelving, perches and toys should be used wherever possible rather than
‘standard’ pigeon enclosures. Pigeons benefit from being able to forage and should not be kept on grid floors
without strong scientific justification.

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Table H.6.

Pigeons: Minimum enclosure dimensions and space allowances

Group size

Minimum
enclosure size
(m2)

Minimum
height (cm)

Minimum
length of food
trough per bird
(cm)

Minimum length
of perch per bird
(cm)

Up to 6

from 7 to 12

For each additional bird above 12

2

3

0,15

200

200

5

5

5

30

30

30

Enclosures should be long and narrow (for example 2 m by 1 m) rather than square to allow birds to perform
short flights.

g.

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

Zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) occur across most of Australia. They are highly mobile, ranging over wide areas
in search of food, and live in flocks of up to several hundred individuals. The species is monogamous and sexually
dimorphic, as the male's plumage is more ornate than that of the female. The breeding season is not fixed, but is
triggered by the availability of ripening grass seeds. Zebra finches use nests for roosting as well as breeding;
roosting nests are used more frequently in cold conditions and may be old breeding nests or purpose-built.

Zebra finches are social and non-breeding birds should be housed in groups. Unwanted breeding can be prevented
by housing in single sex groups, or suppressed in mixed-sex groups by withholding both roosting and breeding
nests and by feeding a diet of dry seeds supplemented with fresh greens, but never soaked or sprouted seeds. Nests
should be provided for breeding birds, for example in the form of wicker or plastic baskets or wooden boxes with
dried grass, paper strips or coconut fibres for nesting material, but birds will defend these and it is important to
monitor behaviour to ensure that sufficient nests are provided. Sprays of Panicum millet should be continually
available as dietary enrichment. As zebra finches feed extensively on the ground, birds should be housed on solid
floors to facilitate natural foraging behaviour.

Toys, perches and swings designed for pet birds will benefit zebra finches and these should be provided wherever
possible. Perches are particularly important for well-being and should be provided at a range of heights to
facilitate normal feeding and roosting behaviour. Water for bathing should be provided at least once a week in
shallow trays with water of approximately 0,5 to 1 cm in depth.

Fitting zebra finches with coloured leg bands for identification can have significant effects on their social and
reproductive behaviour (for example, red can enhance dominance and green or blue reduce it). Care should be
taken in the selection of colours and patterns of leg bands.

Minimum enclosure sizes for zebra finches are set out in Table H.7 below. Enclosures should be long and narrow
(for example, 2 m by 1 m) to enable birds to perform short flights. Zebra finches thrive in outdoor enclosures
provided they have access to shelter and roosting nests where appropriate. Additional heating should be provided
for birds housed outdoors in cold conditions.

Table H.7.

Zebra Finch: Minimum enclosure dimensions and space allowances

Group size

Minimum enclosure
size (m2)

Minimum height (cm)

Minimum number of
feeders

Up to 6

7 to 12

13 to 20

for each additional bird above 20

1,0

1,5

2,0

0,05

100

200

200

2

2

3

1 per 6 birds

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For breeding studies, pairs may be housed in smaller enclosures containing appropriate enrichment with a
minimum floor area of 0,5 m2 and a minimum height of 40 cm. The duration of the confinement should be
justified by the experimenter and 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.

I.

1.

SPECIES-SPECIFIC GUIDELINES FOR AMPHIBIANS

Introduction

According to systematics, amphibians involve three main orders: Urodela (Caudata), Gymnophiona (Apoda), and
Anura (Ecaudata). The Anura belong to the super-order Salientia. For the present guidelines, Urodela (salamanders,
newts) and Anura (frogs, toads) are of interest. They differ greatly in their patterns of geographic distribution and
in the diversity of living types, such as aquatic (for example, Xenopus laevis), semi-aquatic (for example, Rana
temporaria), semi-terrestrial (for example, Bufo marinus) and arboreal (for example, Hyla cinerea). Amphibians
occupy a wide range of habitat types from arid deserts to deep freshwater lakes. Some may spend most of their life
underground or high in cloud forest canopy. Some are found north of the Arctic Circle and can tolerate freezing
conditions, while others have evolved a range of adaptations to avoid desiccation in hot areas of the world.

Amphibians are very much adapted to the substrate on/in which they live. In this context, the body skin plays an
important role in the transfer of water, soluble substances, including toxic substances and oxygen. Therefore it
plays key roles in the survival of amphibians, their interaction with their environment, and their ability to exploit
a wide range of habitats and ecological conditions. An amphibian's health depends on certain properties and
peculiarities of its body skin, thus making amphibians significant bio-indicators of environmental health.

Where possible, amphibians used for experimental or other scientific purposes should be bred and reared in
captivity. Purpose-bred animals should be used in preference to animals taken from the wild.

Table I.1. lists the four main habitats of amphibians and examples of species of each habitat frequently used for
experimental and other scientific purposes. The following proposals provide details on the basic accommodation
and care conditions to be covered for species of these habitats. Specific procedures may require the use of certain
other species which do not fall into the four habitat categories. Further advice on requirements for these and other
species (or if behavioural or breeding problems occur) should be sought from expert specialists and care staff to
ensure that any particular species needs are adequately addressed. Additional background information on less
commonly used species, and habitats is available in the background information document elaborated by the
Group of Experts.

Table I.1:

Main habitat categories and examples by habitat of species frequently used

Habitat

Amphibian species

Size (cm)

Original geographic
distribution/Biotope

Optimal
temperature

Relative
humidity

Main period
of activity

Aquatic
(Urodeles)

Aquatic
(Anurans)

Ambystoma mexi-
canum (Axolotl)

Xenopus laevis
(Clawed frog)

Semi-aquatic
(Anurans)

Rana temporaria
(Common frog)

Mexico/Channels
of the former sea
of Xochimilco

Central and South
Africa/ponds,
ground water and
spring-fed

Europe (middle
and north) to Asia
(without southern
Balkan)/Near
ponds, lakes,
streams (shores,
meadows)

24 to 27

6 to 12

7 to 11

15 oC to
22 oC

100 %

18 oC to
22 oC

100 %

Twilight

Twilight/
night

Day/night

10 oC to
15 oC

50 to
80 %

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Habitat

Amphibian species

Size (cm)

Original geographic
distribution/Biotope

Optimal
temperature

Relative
humidity

Main period
of activity

Semi-terrestrial
(Anurans)

Bufo marinus
(Marine toad)

Arboreal
(Anurans)

Hyla cinerea
(Green tree frog)

Central and South
America/Man-
grove, woods

Southeast USA/
Open bushy bor-
ders of cypress
swamps, flat coun-
try, forest

12 to 22

3 to 6

23 oC to
27 oC

50 to
80 %

18 oC to
25 oC

50 to
70 %

Night

Day/night

2.

The environment and its control

2.1.

Ventilation

Enclosures for amphibians should be adequately ventilated. The water in enclosures of aquatic caged amphibians
should be filtered, circulated, and aerated (see also paragraph 4.3.1.).

2.2.

Temperature

Amphibians are ectothermic. Areas of different temperature and humidity are beneficial, to allow amphibians to
seek their preferred microenvironment. Amphibians exposed to frequent fluctuations in temperature and
humidity may be severely stressed and may be more prone to health problems. Room and water temperatures
should be controlled.

Hibernation in amphibians may be induced or interrupted by regulating light-dark rhythm and room temperature.
Before inducing hibernation in captivity, animals should be in good health and body condition. In animals used
for breeding, a state of near winter torpor (for example dim light to darkness and 8 oC to 10 oC room
temperature) may be simulated where appropriate. Under these conditions, the animals can be kept without
feeding for as long as four to five months. Restoration of pre-hibernation environmental conditions will induce
activity and mating behaviour.

Prevention of hibernation in a laboratory environment will not cause major welfare problems.

2.3.

Humidity

Amphibians do not drink but absorb moisture through their skin. Water loss is an especially critical problem in
captive terrestrial and semi-terrestrial amphibians, as a properly hydrated integument is essential to the normal
function of the amphibian skin. Areas of different humidity within the enclosure are beneficial. Even desert-
adapted amphibians should have access to a humid environment.

2.4.

Lighting

Photoperiods reflecting the natural cycle from where the animals originate should be used. Light levels in the
enclosures should be consistent with that expected to be encountered under natural conditions. Both semi-
terrestrial and aquatic caged animals should have the opportunity to withdraw to shaded areas within the
enclosure.

2.5.

Noise

Amphibians are very sensitive to noise (airborne stimuli) and vibration (substrate-borne stimuli) and are disturbed
by any new, unexpected stimulus. Therefore, such extraneous disturbances should be minimised.

2.6.

Alarm systems

Adequate alarm systems are recommended if circulation systems are used and/or aeration is required.

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3.

Health

(See paragraph 4.1. of the General section)

4.

Housing, enrichment and care

4.1.

Housing

In most amphibians, social behaviour is mainly restricted to the mating season. However, group-housing of
amphibians is advisable, for instance to improve feeding and reduce fear responses. For example, in Xenopus spp.
group feeding promotes feeding frenzies inducing all animals to feed. At very low stocking densities such frenzies
do not occur and food is frequently not eaten.

To avoid cannibalism in certain species (particularly among larval Ambystoma spp. and Scaphiopus spp.), these
animals should be maintained in small groups. Cannibalism in groups can be reduced by size grading.

4.2.

Enrichment

The terrestrial habitat of amphibians should be structured, including, for example, branches, leaves, pieces of bark,
stones or other suitable man-made materials. Amphibians benefit from such environmental enrichment in
different ways: for example, such inclusions allow animals to hide, and provide labels for visual and spatial
orientation. The side walls of the terraria should be textured to provide a structured surface.

The provision of hiding places/shelters that are appropriate to the amphibian's needs is recommended, because
they can reduce stress on captive amphibians. For example, in Xenopus spp. a tube of ceramic or plastic may be
provided. Refuges should be inspected regularly for sick or injured animals. A dark floor to the tank may enhance
the sense of security in the animals.

Materials used for enrichment devices should not be detrimental to the health of the amphibians. Enclosures and
enrichment structures should have smooth surfaces and rounded edges to minimise the risk of injury to the
amphibian's skin.

4.3.

Enclosures — dimensions and flooring

4.3.1.

E n c l o s u r e s f o r a q u a t i c a m p h i b i a n s

Aquatic amphibians such as Xenopus laevis or amphibian larvae are housed in tanks and aquaria. These may be
equipped with a gentle flow-through water system for the circulation of uncontaminated (for example,
dechlorinated) water, a heating device to maintain suitable temperatures, and a compressed air supply and
airstones for aeration. Care is needed to ensure that aeration does not cause injury to the animals. Unless a proper
flow system is in place, the water in the enclosures should be renewed with water of an appropriate quality about
twice a week.

For Xenopus spp., systems with regular changes of water (fill-and-dump systems) are sufficient for maintaining
appropriate water quality (such as minimising levels in ammonia). Airstones are not required for Xenopus.

Furthermore, long, narrow enclosures should be avoided since they may restrict locomotor activity and social
behaviour such as feeding frenzies.

Table I.2.

Aquatic urodeles, e.g., Ambystoma spp: Minimum enclosure dimensions and space allowances

Body length (*)
(cm)

Minimum water surface
area (cm2)

Minimum water surface
area for each additional
animal in group-holding
(cm2)

Minimum water depth
(cm)

Up to 10

over 10 to 15

over 15 to 20

262,5

525

875

50

110

200

13

13

15

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Body length (*)
(cm)

Minimum water surface
area (cm2)

Minimum water surface
area for each additional
animal in group-holding
(cm2)

Minimum water depth
(cm)

over 20 to 30

over 30

(*) measured from snout to tail

1 837,5

3 150

440

800

15

20

Table I.3.

Aquatic anurans, e.g., Xenopus spp: Minimum enclosure dimensions and space allowances. (**)

Body length (**) (cm)

Minimum water surface
area (cm2)

Minimum water surface
area for each additional
animal in group-holding
(cm2)

Minimum water depth
(cm)

Less than 6

from 6 to 9

over 9 to 12

over 12

160

300

600

920

40

75

150

230

6

8

10

12,5

(*)

these recommendations apply to holding (i.e., husbandry) tanks but not to those tanks used for natural mating and super-
ovulation for reasons of efficiency, as the latter procedures require smaller individual tanks. Space requirements determined
for adults in the indicated size categories; juveniles and tadpoles should either be excluded, or dimensions altered according to
the scaling principle

(**) measured from snout to vent

4.3.2.

E n c l o s u r e s f o r s e m i - a q u a t i c a n d s e m i - t e r r e s t r i a l a m p h i b i a n s

Semi-aquatic and semi-terrestrial amphibians are kept in enclosures consisting of a terrestrial part and a aquatic
part. The water area of the terrarium should allow animals to submerge. Unless a flow-through system is used,
water should be renewed at least twice a week.

Each terrarium should be covered to prevent escape. It is advisable to paint or otherwise cover the outside of
transparent walls to minimise damage to the animal. Additions to the interior design can include: soft-foamed
plastic material on the floor near the pool area, stones, pieces of artificial bark material, artificial branches and
leaves, and shelves. Fine sawdust and any other related small-particle substrate should be avoided, as it affects the
sensitive body skin, harbours pathogens and is difficult to clean and re-use.

Table I.4.

Semi-aquatic anurans, e.g., Rana temporaria: Minimum enclosure dimensions and space allowances

Body length (*)
(cm)

Up to 5,0

over 5,0 to 7,5

over 7,5

Minimum
enclosure size
(**) (cm2)

Minimum area
for each
additional
animal in group
holding (cm2)

1 500

3 500

4 000

200

500

700

Minimum
enclosure
height (***) (cm)

Minimum water
depth
(cm)

20

30

30

10

10

15

measured from snout to vent
one third land division, two thirds water division sufficient for animals to submerge

(*)
(**)
(***) measured from the surface of the land division up to the inner part of the top of the terrarium; furthermore, the height of

the enclosures should be adapted to the interior design

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Table I.5.

Semi-terrestrial anurans, e.g., Bufo marinus: Minimum enclosure dimensions and space allowances

Body length (*)
(cm)

Up to 5,0

over 5,0 to 7,5

over 7,5

Minimum
enclosure
size (**)
(cm2)

1 500

3 500

4 000

Minimum area
for each
additional
animal in group-
holding (cm2)

200

500

700

Minimum
enclosure
height (***) (cm)

Minimum water
depth
(cm)

20

30

30

10

10

15

measured from snout to vent
two-thirds land division, one-third water division sufficient for animals to submerge

(*)
(**)
(***) measured from the surface of the land division up to the inner part of the top of the terrarium; furthermore, the height of

the enclosures should be adapted to the interior design

4.3.3.

E n c l o s u r e s f o r a r b o r e a l a m p h i b i a n s

Having regard for the behaviour of different arboreal species, every effort should be made to allow for this by the
provision of appropriate structures for climbing and resting by arboreal species (see section 4.3.2). In addition, it
is necessary to provide water in which they can submerge themselves or seek greater humidity. If water dishes are
used, they should be arranged in such a way that they are easy for the amphibians to enter or to leave.

Table I.6:

Arboreal anurans, e.g., Hyla cinerea: Minimum enclosure dimensions and space allowances

Body length (*)
(cm)

Minimum enclosure
size (**)
(cm2)

Minimum area for each
additional animal in
group-holding (cm2)

Minimum enclosure
height (***)
(cm)

Up to 3,0

over 3,0

900

1 500

100

200

30

30

measured from snout to vent
two-thirds land division, one-third pool division sufficient for animals to submerge

(*)
(**)
(***) measured from the surface of the land division up to the inner part of the top of the terrarium; furthermore, the height of
the enclosures should be adapted to the interior design including, e.g., shelves, large artificial branches, and structures for
climbing

4.4.

Feeding

The majority of amphibians are carnivores with food preferences for living small invertebrates (such as larvae,
insects and worms). Captive animals should be maintained on their natural foods or on foodstuffs approximating
those of their natural diets. However, captive aquatic amphibians can successfully be maintained on pieces of fish
fillet or scrapings from frozen liver and heart. The feeding frequency should be related to environmental
conditions, such as temperature and light intensity. Daily feeding is not advisable for adult animals, but once to
three times weekly to satiation at each feeding is recommended.

4.5.

Water quality

For aquatic and semi-aquatic amphibians water quality, including the concentration of ammonia and the pH level
in water, should be regularly monitored.

4.6.

Substrate, litter, bedding and nesting material

(See paragraph 4.8 of the General section)

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4.7.

Cleaning

In order to avoid diseases, the terrestrial and aquatic areas in the terraria should be carefully cleaned to remove
dirt, excrement and food particles.

4.8.

Handling

The skin of amphibians can be easily damaged. Care is required during handling, which should be kept to a
minimum.

4.9.

Anaesthesia and humane killing

Invasive, potentially painful procedures should be accompanied both by analgesia and anaesthesia. As amphibians'
skin accounts for a significant portion of normal gaseous exchanges, in anaesthetised animals, in which lung
respiration is reduced or interrupted, the body skin should always be kept moist, for example with a wet tissue.

4.10.

Records

(See paragraph 4.12. of the General section)

4.11.

Identification

Where animals need to be identified individually there are a number of suitable methods such as transponders;
tank labels for individually housed animals; monitoring pigment or wart configurations; small labels by coloured
thread. Chemical markings should not be used, since substances are absorbed through the skin, possibly causing
toxic effects. Toe clipping is deleterious and should not be carried out.

5.

Transport

During transport, amphibians should be provided with sufficient air and moisture and, if necessary, appropriate
devices to maintain the required temperature and humidity.

J.

1.

SPECIES-SPECIFIC GUIDELINES FOR REPTILES

Introduction

According to morphological systematics, reptiles include the main orders Rhynchocephalia (tuatara), Squamata
(lizards, snakes), Chelonia (tortoises, turtles, and terrapins), and Crocodilia (alligators, crocodiles, caimans, and
gavials). They differ greatly in their patterns of geographic distribution and in the diversity of living types.

In contrast to the more or less smooth and moist skin seen in amphibians, reptiles have a skin protected by
overlapping scales (snakes, lizards), by a box-like shell (chelonians), or by bone plates in the skin (crocodiles,
alligators, and caimans). The thick skin is an adaptation to better protect reptiles from the water loss that occurs
with the permeable skin of amphibians.

Table J.1. lists two very general habitat categories of reptiles and examples of species of each habitat frequently
used for experimental and other scientific purposes. The following proposals provide details on the basic housing
and care conditions recommended for species found within these habitats. Specific procedures may require the
use of certain other species which do not fall into these categories, such as semi-aquatic, arboreal or rock-climbing
reptiles. 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. Additional information on species and
habitats is available in the background information document by the expert group.

Where possible, reptiles used for experimental or other scientific purposes should be procured from reputable
suppliers.

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Table J.1.

Two habitat categories and examples of reptile species of each habitat frequently used

Habitat

Species

Size (cm)

Aquatic

Terrestrial

Trachemys scripta
elegans Red-eared
terrapin

Thamnophis sirta-
lis Common gar-
ter snake

20 to 28

40 to 70

Original geographic
distribution/
Biotope

Mississippi Valley
drainage/Quiet
water with
muddy bottom

North America/
Woodland, wet
areas

Optimal
temperature

Relative
humidity

Main period of
activity

20 oC to
25 oC

22 oC to
27 oC

80 to 100 %

Day

60 to 80 %

Day

2.

The environment and its control

2.1.

Ventilation

Enclosures of reptiles should be adequately ventilated. To prevent animals from escaping, ventilation should be
screen-covered.

2.2.

Temperature

Reptiles are ectothermic. In order to maintain their body temperatures, under natural conditions they will select
microenvironments in which they can gain or lose heat. Therefore, enclosures should offer to the animals areas of
different temperatures (temperature gradient).

Temperature requirements of different species vary considerably and may even fluctuate in the same species at
different times of the year. In the laboratory, room and water temperatures should be controlled. In many reptiles,
sex determination and gonadal differentiation are temperature-dependent.

An incandescent lamp positioned over the platform provided as a resting board will allow basking reptiles to
increase their body temperature. When the lights are turned off, a flat heating device may be used. Terraria of
snakes or lizards from tropical biotopes should be furnished with at least one warmth-plate. Heating devices
should be thermostatically-controlled to prevent the animals from overheating and burning.

2.3.

Humidity

In order to regulate humidity, it will also be necessary to regulate the ventilation rate. A relative humidity of 70 to
90 % can be maintained by evaporating water from a container placed near the heater. The provision of areas of
different humidity (humidity gradient) is beneficial.

2.4.

Lighting

Appropriate light and dark regimes for each species, life stage, and time of the year should be provided. Reptiles
should have the opportunity to withdraw to shaded areas within the enclosure. Light or sun lamps should not be
the sole source of heat. The provision of ultraviolet radiation is necessary to stimulate the animal's production of
vitamin D.

2.5.

Noise

Reptiles are very sensitive to acoustic noise (airborne stimuli) and to vibratory noise (substrate-borne stimuli) and
are disturbed by any new, unexpected stimulus. Therefore, such extraneous disturbances should be minimised.

2.6.

Alarm systems

Adequate alarm systems should be provided if water circulation systems are used and/or aeration is required.

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3.

Health

Care is needed when housing different species of possible different health status.

4.

Housing, enrichment and care

4.1.

Housing

(See paragraph 4.5.2. of the General section)

4.2.

Enrichment

The habitat of reptiles should be structured to include, for example, natural or artificial branches, leaves, pieces of
bark and stones. Reptiles benefit from such environmental enrichment in different ways: for example, such
inclusions allow animals to hide, and provide labels for visual and spatial orientation. To prevent collision with
clear glass, the side walls of the terraria should be patterned to provide a structured surface.

4.3.

Enclosures — dimensions and flooring

Enclosures and enclosure furniture should have smooth surfaces and rounded edges to minimise the risk of injury,
and in the most sensitive species opaque materials should be used.

4.3.1.

E n c l o s u r e s f o r a q u a t i c r e p t i l e s

Aquatic reptiles should be accommodated in water-circulated, filtered, and aerated tanks. The water should be
renewed about twice per week. To minimise the bacterial contamination of the water, water temperatures should
not exceed 25 oC. Water levels should be sufficient for reptiles to submerge.

A platform should be provided as a resting board on which the reptiles can haul out or under which take shelter.
Such platforms should be made of suitable materials, such as wood, so that animals are able to get a purchase with
their claws in order to pull themselves out of the water. Platforms should be replaced at intervals as necessary.
Platforms made of epoxy or polyurethane may not serve this function and will deteriorate quickly under
continuous warm temperatures.

Table J.2.

Aquatic chelonians e.g., Trachemys spp.: Minimum enclosure dimensions and space allowances

Body length (*)
(cm)

Minimum water surface
area
(cm2)

Minimum water surface
area for each additional
animal in group holding
(cm2)

Minimum water depth
(cm)

Up to 5

over 5 to 10

over 10 to 15

over 15 to 20

over 20 to 30

over 30

600

1 600

3 500

6 000

10 000

20 000

100

300

600

1 200

2 000

5 000

10

15

20

30

35

40

(*) measured in a straight line from the front edge to the back edge of the shell

4.3.2.

E n c l o s u r e s f o r t e r r e s t r i a l r e p t i l e s

Terrestrial reptiles should be kept in enclosures consisting of an appropriate terrestrial part and an aquatic part.
The water area of the terrarium should allow animals to submerge. It is advisable to renew the water at least twice
a week, except in the case of a flow-through system.

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Terraria should be transparent, have tight seams, with all holes securely screened, and be provided with well-fitted
lids or doors that can be securely fastened down. All doors and lids should be fitted with latches, hooks or hasps.
It is advisable to construct doors and lids, so that the entire top or an entire end or side opens to facilitate cleaning
(except in the case of venomous reptiles). For some species, except for the front wall, all side walls including the
top should be opaque. In case of highly irritable or easily frightened reptiles, the clear wall can be provided with a
removable covering. For housing venomous snakes, certain security criteria must be fulfilled.

The provision of appropriate shelter is important for all terrestrial reptiles, both in which to hide and also
sometimes to feed. A shelter-box, such as a tube of clay simulates the darkness of a burrow.

Table J.3.

Terrestrial snakes, e.g., Thamnophis spp: Minimum enclosure dimensions and space allowances

Body length (*)
(cm)

Minimum floor area
(cm2)

Minimum area for each
additional animal in
group-holding (cm2)

Minimum enclosure
height (**)
(cm)

Up to 30

over 30 to 40

over 40 to 50

over 50 to 75

over 75

300

400

600

1 200

2 500

150

200

300

600

1 200

10

12

15

20

28

(*) measured from snout to tail
(**) measured from the surface of the land division up to the inner part of the top of the terrarium; furthermore, the height of the

enclosure should be adapted to the interior design including, e.g., shelves and large artificial branches

4.4.

Feeding

Captive reptiles should be maintained on their natural foods, foodstuffs or commercial diets approximating those
of their natural diets. Many reptiles are carnivores (all snakes and crocodiles, most lizards, and some turtles), but
some are vegetarian and others are omnivores. Some species exhibit very narrow and specific feeding habits.
Reptiles, except for some snakes, can be trained to feed on dead prey. Therefore, it should normally not be
necessary to feed on live vertebrates. When dead vertebrates are used, they should have been humanely killed
using a method that avoids the risk of toxicity to the reptiles. Feeding regimes should be appropriate to the
species, stage of development and husbandry system.

4.5.

Watering

Drinking water should be provided for all reptiles.

4.6.

Substrate, litter, bedding and nesting material

A variety of substrates may be used for terraria, depending on the requirements of the species. Fine sawdust and
any other small-particle substrate should be avoided, as this may cause serious mouth or internal injuries or bowel
obstruction, particularly in snakes.

4.7.

Cleaning

(See paragraph 4.9. of the General section)

4.8.

Handling

Care is needed when handling reptiles, as they can be easily injured. For example, some lizards may shed their tails
(autotomy) if handled in an inappropriate way, and other species can easily be traumatised.

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4.9.

Humane killing

(See also paragraph 4.11. of the General section)

An appropriate method of killing is by an overdose of a suitable anaesthetic.

4.10.

Records

(See paragraph 4.12. of the General section)

4.11.

Identification

Where animals need to be identified individually a number of suitable methods are available: transponders;
enclosure labels for individually housed animals; monitoring individual skin patterns (according to colour, skin
damages, etc.); pen markings require renewal after skin shedding; small labels at the toes by coloured thread. Toe
clipping is deleterious and should not be done.

5.

Transport

During transport reptiles should be provided with adequate air and moisture and, if necessary, appropriate devices
included to maintain the required temperature and humidity.

K.

1.

SPECIES-SPECIFIC GUIDELINES FOR FISH

Introduction

The use of fish as experimental animals has expanded greatly over the past decade for a number of reasons,
including the great increase in aquaculture, which has led to a variety of supporting basic studies in areas such as
nutrition, disease, physiology and genetics, ecotoxicology and other toxicological research, as well as fundamental
studies in genetics and immunology whose results are of relevance to higher vertebrate groups,
including
mammals. A wide variety of fish species are used for experimental purposes and these have a diverse range of
habitats, behaviour and environmental and husbandry requirements.

Fish are ectothermic animals and thus highly adapted to their particular aquatic environment. They react very
rapidly to stress with immediate physiological consequences that can be relatively long-lasting and such changes,
as well as having obvious welfare implications, will also impact upon experimental results.

themselves with the characteristics of

Investigators and animal care staff should acquaint
the proposed
experimental fish species, to ensure that appropriate facilities and husbandry procedures are in place before
animals are obtained. Species-specific guidance on rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), Atlantic salmon (Salmo
salar), tilapiine cichlids, zebra fish (Danio rerio), sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax), Atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus
hippoglossus), Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua), turbot (Scophthalmus maximus), African catfish (Clarias gariepenus) is
available in the background document elaborated by the Group of Experts. Further advice on the requirements of
these and other species should be sought from expert specialists and care staff to ensure that any particular species
needs are adequately addressed.

During aquaculture research, when the aim of the research requires that fish are kept under similar conditions to
those under which commercial fish are kept, the keeping of the animals should at least follow the standards laid
down in the Directive 98/58/EC.

2.

Environment and its control

2.1.

Water supply

It is essential that an adequate water supply of suitable quality is provided at all times. Water flow in recirculatory
systems or filtration within enclosures should be sufficient to remove suspended solids and wastes and to ensure
that water quality parameters are maintained within acceptable levels. Monitoring systems should be in place to
ensure fish are provided with an appropriate quantity of water of appropriate quality. Water flow should also be
appropriate to enable fish to swim correctly and to maintain normal behaviour. In most cases, within enclosures
housing post-larval fish, the water supply is best directed onto the water surface at an angle.

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2.2.

Water quality

Water quality is the most important factor in maintaining the well-being of fish and in reducing stress and the risk
of disease. Water-quality parameters should at all times be within the acceptable range that sustains normal
activity and physiology for a given species. The definition of acceptable range is complicated in that optimum
conditions are not well defined for many species and that the requirements of individual species may vary
between different life-stages e.g larvae,
juveniles, adults or according to physiological status for example
metamorphosis, spawning, feeding, previous history of exposure.

Fish show varying degrees of adaptability to changing water-quality conditions. Some degree of acclimatisation
may be necessary and this should be carried out for a period appropriate for the fish species in question.

As most fish species cannot function well in water containing a high level of suspended solids, these should be
maintained within an acceptable range. Where necessary water supply to facilities should be appropriately filtered
to remove substances harmful to fish and to maintain suitable water physico-chemical parameters.

2.2.1.

O x y g e n

Oxygen concentration should be appropriate to the species and the context in which they are held. Required
oxygen concentration will vary according to temperature, carbon dioxide concentration, salinity, feeding level and
amount of handling. Where necessary supplementary aeration of water should be provided.

2.2.2.

N i t r o g e n c o m p o u n d s

Ammonia is the main excretory product of fish. Dissolved urea, as well as feed and faeces, are converted to
inorganic compounds such as ammonia and phosphate. Ammonia will be further converted into nitrite and
nitrate. Ammonia and nitrite are very toxic to fish and their accumulation should be avoided by increasing flow
rate, reducing density or temperature, or biofiltration.

Susceptibility to ammonia varies between fish species and in general marine and younger fish are more
susceptible. The toxic form of ammonia is unionised ammonia, the amount of which depends not only on total
ammonia concentration, but also on pH, salinity and temperature.

2.2.3.

C a r b o n d i o x i d e ( C O 2)

Carbon dioxide is produced by fish during respiration and dissolves in water to form carbonic acid, thus lowering
the pH. Accumulation of carbon dioxide can be a problem at a high stocking density if pure oxygen is used
instead of air to maintain the oxygen content in the water. Although high concentrations of free carbon dioxide
can be fatal to fish this is most unlikely to be a problem under normal housing conditions. However, care should
be taken that water supply systems, particularly in the case of groundwater-based systems, do not introduce
harmful quantities of carbon dioxide in the enclosures.

2.2.4.

p H

Acceptable pH levels depend on many water quality factors, for example, carbon dioxide and calcium. As far as
possible pH should be kept stable as any changes in pH will influence other water quality parameters. In general
pH may be lower in freshwater than in salt water. If necessary supply water should be buffered.

2.2.5.

S a l i n i t y

Salinity requirements of fish will vary according to whether they are marine or freshwater in origin or adapted.
Some species are able to tolerate a wide range of salinity. In others salinity tolerance may vary according to life
stage. Changes in salinity should be introduced gradually.

2.3.

Temperature

Temperature should be maintained within the optimal range of the fish species involved and any changes should
take place gradually. At high temperatures it may be necessary to provide supplementary aeration of enclosure
water.

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2.4.

Lighting

Many fish require light for feeding and other behavioural activities. Fish should be maintained on an appropriate
photoperiod as far as possible since the day/night cycle influences the physiology and the behaviour of fish.

Many fish species should not normally be kept in bright light, although some tropical species naturally encounter
very bright light. As appropriate for the species, lighting should be subdued or tanks should be covered and
suitable hiding places provided. Abrupt changes in light should be avoided as far as possible.

2.5.

Noise

Fish can be acutely sensitive to sounds, even at very low levels. Noise levels within experimental facilities should
be kept to a minimum. Where possible equipment causing noise or vibration, such as power generators or
filtration systems, should be separated from fish-holding facilities. Fish reared in a particular environment will
adapt to the stimuli presented there and may become stressed if moved to unfamiliar surroundings.

2.6.

Alarm systems

(See Paragraph 2.6 of the General Section)

3.

Health

3.1.

General

Appropriate attention should be paid to hygiene within experimental facilities. The health of fish is intimately
bound up with their environmental and husbandry conditions. Most diseases are associated with stress arising
from deficiencies in these conditions and any attempt to control disease should address these areas if problems are
to be successfully eradicated. Fish health management is almost always concerned with populations rather than
single individuals, and control measures should be designed accordingly.

3.2.

Hygiene and disinfection

Fish-holding facilities, including associated pipework, should be cleaned and disinfected when appropriate. In
closed systems cleaning and disinfection should be compatible with maintenance of optimal microbiological
conditions. Equipment, for example nets, should be disinfected between use. Staff should take precautions to
prevent cross-contamination between fish enclosures.

3.3.

Quarantine

Newly introduced stocks, both from farmed and wild fish, should be given an appropriate quarantine period, as
far as possible separate from existing stocks. During quarantine they should be closely monitored and any disease
problem which arises should be treated or the stock destroyed. Farmed fish should be procured from reputable
suppliers and as far as possible have a verified health status.

4.

Housing, enrichment and care

4.1.

Housing

Fish behaviour will influence stocking density and schooling or territorial behaviour should be considered. The
stocking density of fish should be based on the total needs of the fish in respect of environmental conditions,
health and welfare. Fish should have sufficient water volume for normal swimming. Measures should be taken to
avoid or minimise conspecific aggression without otherwise compromising animal welfare. Acceptable stocking
density for a given species will vary depending on water flow and current, water quality, fish size, age, health and
feeding method. In principle, groups should consist of fish of the same size to minimise the risk of injuries or
cannibalism.

4.2.

Enrichment

For some species, environmental enrichment may be necessary to take account of their behavioural traits, for
example, in reproduction or predation. Examples of such needs include provision of hiding places for wrasse, or
substrate such as sand for some flatfish. Care is needed to ensure that environmental enrichment does not

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adversely affect water quality, but this should not impede the development of suitable measures to enhance the
welfare of fish.

4.3.

Enclosures

4.3.1.

F i s h h o l d i n g f a c i l i t i e s

Fish can be maintained in land-based enclosures in dedicated buildings or in external areas, or in enclosures in
open-water systems. Where practical, these should have controlled access and be arranged to minimise
disturbance of the fish, and to facilitate maintenance of suitable environmental conditions.

4.3.2.

L a n d - b a s e d e n c l o s u r e s

The materials used to construct the enclosures should be non-toxic, durable and with a smooth internal surface to
prevent abrasions to the fish. Enclosures should be of an appropriate size to accommodate the required stocking
density of fish and should be able to receive the necessary water flow. Enclosures should be of an appropriate
shape to accommodate the behavioural needs and preferences of the particular experimental fish species; for
example, circular enclosures are most appropriate for salmonids. Enclosures should be designed to prevent escape.
Enclosures should where appropriate be self-cleaning to aid removal of waste products and surplus feed.

4.3.3.

O p e n - w a t e r e n c l o s u r e s

Fish, especially marine species, may be kept in large floating enclosures. The enclosure dimensions, including
depth, should permit active swimming and shoaling of the fish. Mesh size should permit good water exchange
while preventing escape of fish. Enclosures should be designed to minimise the risk of attack by predators.
Enclosures should be rigged so as to prevent their shape distorting in tidal flows or running water and thus
trapping fish.

4.4.

Feeding

Fish may be fed either on artificial diet or fresh/frozen natural feed. Artificial diet is preferable, providing it meets
the nutritional requirements of the species, and is acceptable to the fish. Some fish species or life stages will not
take artificial diets. Artificial diets also tend to have less impact on water quality.

It is important that fish are fed at an appropriate feeding rate and frequency, and this will depend on a number of
factors including temperature, size and maturity. As high temperature increases the metabolic rate, feeding level
should also be increased. It may not always be necessary to feed fish daily. Presentation of diet is also very
important to ensure adequate feeding. Consideration should be given to the number of meals per day, the age of
the fish, the water temperature and the size of the pellet or food fragment offered. Feeding regime, palatability and
the presentation of food should ensure that all fish obtain sufficient food. Particular attention should be paid to
feeding of larval fish, especially where feeding is switched from live to artificial diets.

4.5.

Cleaning of enclosures

All enclosures should be kept free of fish waste products or uneaten feed. If these are allowed to accumulate, water
quality and thus fish health will be adversely affected. Enclosures should be regularly treated and cleaned to
prevent fouling and reduced water exchange. There should be no risk of back-flushing and consequent fouling of
enclosure water and the risk of infection. If enclosures are not self-cleaning, waste material should be siphoned off
as necessary, generally as soon as possible after feeding. The sides and bottom of enclosures should be cleaned
regularly to avoid build up of algae and other detritus. Care should be taken to minimise stress during cleaning.

4.6.

Handling

Fish may be severely stressed by handling which should therefore be kept to the minimum possible. Fish should
normally be netted out from the normal enclosure and anaesthetised in a smaller container before handling. Fish
should be kept under anaesthetic for as short a time as possible and be placed in clean aerated water for recovery.
An effective concentration of anaesthetic should be maintained throughout the procedure.

When catching fish, nets with an appropriate frame and mesh size should be used. Knotted net mesh should be
avoided. Nets should be disinfected and rinsed in clean water before use.

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Out of water fish should be handled with wet gloves or wet hands and on a moist surface to avoid scale and
mucus loss. Particular attention should be paid to handling practices to avoid desiccation, suffocation and other
injury.

4.7.

Humane killing

Most fish should be killed by either:

— an overdose of anaesthetic using appropriate route and anaesthetic agent for the size and species. When
killed by immersion, fish should be left in the anaesthetic solution for at least five minutes following the
cessation of opercular movement and/or vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR), or

— concussion of the brain by striking of the cranium

Death should be confirmed, for example, by physical destruction of the brain or exsanguination.

4.8.

Records

Records should be maintained on appropriate water quality parameters.

4.9.

Identification

It is not always necessary or feasible to individually identify all fish within a facility.

If it is necessary to mark fish for identification purposes, subcutaneous dye injection is considered the least
invasive method of marking. Careful consideration is needed before more invasive methods such as fin clipping or
PIT tagging are used. Mechanical tagging should not be used unless no other method is suitable.

Marking should generally be carried out under anaesthesia in order to ease handling and minimise the risk of
injury, morbidity and stress.

5.

Transport

Fish should be deprived of food prior to transportation for a period sufficient to allow the gut to clear and reduce
faecal contamination of the transport system. Care should be taken to prevent injury and stress to fish during
capture,
loading, transportation and unloading. Abrupt temperature changes, periods of hypoxia and any
deterioration in water quality due to excretory products should be avoided.