VA HANDBOOK 7610 (278)
(5) Animal Rooms
The primary function is to house and maintain animals. Occasionally minor research
procedures are performed in this space.
Large animals such as dogs, goats, and primates may be housed in pens, runs, or
cages. Smaller animals such as rabbits, rats, and mice will be kept in cages.
(a) Determination of Total Animal Room Space
The following lists the minimum/maximum total animal room space (NSM/NSF) to
be provided.
Number of
Total Animal Room Space
Investigators
Up to 14
111.6/152.5 NSM (1,200/1,640 NSF)
15 to 28
212.0/247.3 NSM (2,280/2,660 NSF)
29 to 48
312.5/357.0 NSM (3,360/3,840 NSF)
49 to 60
412.9/479.9 NSM (4,440/5,160 NSF)
61 to 80
513.3/602.6 NSM (5,520/6,480 NSF)
Over 80
602.6 NSM/to be
(6,480 NSF/to be
justified)
justified)
NOTE: For the over 80 level, animal room space in excess of 602.6 NSM
(6,480 NSF) must be justified on an individual project basis.
The minimum space will be provided, initially, for conceptual planning.
Then, when necessary, additional space, up to the maximum, may be provided as
animal room space or reapportioned to other areas. Refer to paragraph 5b (5) for
guidelines concerning adjustments to space requirements.
(b) Determination of the Distribution of Total Animal Room Space (NSM/NSF)
The number, size (NSM/NSF), and type (cubicle vs. conventional) of animal rooms
required will be determined on an individual project basis, depending on the
relative populations of smaller animals (e.g., rodents and rabbits) vs. larger animals
(e.g., dogs and primates).
The following guidelines serve to illustrate the possible variations in animal room
space (NSM) (NSF) requirements.
1. Animal Rooms (Cubicle Housing)
The cubicle method of animal housing provides great flexibility for animal
isolation within minimal space. It segregates each rack of animal cages in an area
that occupies only slightly more floor space than the rack. Cubicle housing is
advantageous in the quarantine of rodents and rabbits; isolation of sick animals
and animals experimentally infected with contagious agents or exposed to
chemical carcinogens or radioactive isotopes; and separation of those species
maintained in insufficient numbers to require an entire room.
The following factors dictate the space (NSF) requirements of each animal room:
(a) Cubicle size: A 1220 mm deep x 1830 mm wide (4'D x 6'W) or larger cubicle is
recommended. A 1070 mm x 1675 mm (3'6" x 5'6") cubicle will accommodate
some cage racks, but is usually inadequate.
278-11
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