BACKGROUND

This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) describes the required standards for the transport and/or receipt of animals between institutions when the animals are covered by a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).  An MOU is an agreement intended to clarify the responsibilities of each institution regarding the review of protocols, conduct of research, and oversight of facilities in projects where WSU animals are used (e.g. subjected to procedures, imaged) at the collaborating institution or vice versa.  MOUs are signed by University officials at both institutions.  For the purposes of this SOP, an institution with which Wayne State University has a signed MOU is referred to as the "collaborating institution".

IACUC Procedure

Incoming Animals (from the collaborating institution)

If animals will be delivered directly from a vendor to WSU, a representative from the collaborating institution must notify the WSU Division of Laboratory Animal Resources (DLAR) procurement staff in the Business Office at (313) 577-1107 before the order is placed.

If animals will be coming from the collaborating institution, the DLAR Veterinary Technical Services (DLARVTS@wayne.edu) must arrange the import, and the DLAR Business Office must be notified.

Outgoing Animals (to collaborating institution)

If animals will be ordered from a vendor for delivery directly to the collaborating institution, the DLAR Business Office must process the animal order.

If animals will be shipped directly to the collaborating institution, then DLAR Veterinary Technical Services (DLARVTS@wayne.edu) must process the export.

Incoming/Outgoing Animals from a local collaborating institution

If animals are from a local institution, the DLAR, the collaborating institution's equivalent, or PI may provide the transportation to or from WSU after the DLAR Veterinary Technical Services (DLARVTS@wayne.edu) has approved the transfer of animals. If the PI provides the transportation, it must be described in the approved IACUC protocol. All IACUC policies must be followed regarding transportation (see Transportation of Animals). If incoming animals (rats or mice only) will go directly to the WSU PI's laboratory, the DLAR bypass quarantine procedure must be followed (see Rodent Quarantine and Procedures to Bypass Quarantine). Outgoing animal export must be coordinated by DLAR VTS and the collaborating institution's equivalent.

Approved: January 2017

Revision Approved: April 2020