Large Animal Facilities Expanded

The Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Division of IITRI's Life Sciences Group recently completed the first step in expanding its large animal facilities. This expansion of approximately 1,000 square feet includes four new canine rooms, as well as a necropsy suite and an exercise area.

The new facilities extend the division's capacity to conduct short- and/or long-term general toxicology studies for government agencies, including the National Cancer Institute (NCI), and for sponsors in the pharmaceutical industry. These studies, typically involving canines, further the development of cancer chemopreventive and other drugs prior to the initiation of clinical trials in humans, and are conducted in accordance with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines.

IITRI's four new canine rooms can accommodate up to 64 animals. Cages are equipped with automatic watering systems to providing drinking water ad libitum. When studies are in progress, the cages are cleaned daily by hand, and the animals are given 30 to 60 minutes of play time per day to facilitate their physical and emotional well-being.

Canines are housed in accordance with the Guide for Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, established by the National Research Council, and with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) through the Animal Welfare Act and Animal Welfare Standards.

The addition complements IITRI's 100,000-square-foot facility, which is accredited by the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) International.

IITRI's facility also is registered with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and is approved by the Animal Welfare Assurance Unit, a part of the National Institutes of Health Office for Protection from Research Risks (NIH/OPRR). Facilities comply with all guidelines for animal care established by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee ( IACUC).