VA HANDBOOK 7610 (278)
(a) VMUs with a large random source animal population and or large nonhuman primate population may require
additional quarantine space (e.g., primates may need to be isolated for up to 12 weeks prior to mixing with other primates to
ensure against primate TB). The additional space (NSF) required will be determined on an individual project basis and must
be deducted from the maximum animal ward space provided for the VMU.
(b) The current trend in the good quality of small animals provided by commercial suppliers, the practice of eliminating
rather than quarantining "sick" small animals (e.g., rodents) and the cubicle concept of animal housing have dramatically
reduced requirements for separated quarantine space for small animals. Any separate quarantine space (NSF) for small
animals must be justified on an individual project basis and deducted from the maximum animal ward space provided for the
VMU.
(5) Animal Rooms - Utilization of the cubicle concept of animal housing should dramatically improve the efficient
utilization of the minimum animal ward space provided for each level of VMU activity. The following guidelines govern
adjustments to the minimum animal ward space.
(a) No less than the minimum animal ward space will be provided for each level of VMU activity.
(b) Animal room space provided over and above the minimum will first be used to accommodate any increase in space
required for the animal receiving and examination and quarantine spaces.
(c) Any remaining animal room space over and above the minimum may be used to accommodate an increase in total
animal ward space, provided any of the following conditions exist:
1. Research Service determines that the minimum animal ward space will not reasonably accommodate the projected
animal population for the VMU.
2. The cubicle concept of animal housing will not be utilized.
(6) Surgical Suite - Space requirements are based on an efficient system of scheduling enabling optimal utilization of
operating rooms. Special justification must be provided for any deviation from criteria with the following exceptions:
(a) If the surgical workroom and supply cannot be located adjacent or with easy access to the operating rooms,
consideration should be given to providing additional supply storage space (no more than 4.6 NSM
(50 NSF) as part of the scrub and gown room.
(b) If the surgical suite cannot be located in proximity to the VMU LLTS facilities, consideration should be given to
providing a surgeons' dressing room (not to exceed 11.2 NSM (120 NSF)) as part of the surgical suite.
(7) Storage, Dry Feed, and Bedding - The space provided is based on the practice of a constant turnover of supplies to
ensure the quality of the feed and to promote optimum utilization of space. Deviation from criteria may be considered if any
of the following apply:
(a) The VMU is located too distant from reliable feed suppliers to enable a turnover rate that the space provided by
criteria will accommodate.
(b) The VMU uses contact bedding exclusively.
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