26 February 1993
Narrative
Virtually all medical advances of the past have been based
INTRODUCTION:
on the use of animal subjects and this will continue to be the case
Overview
for the foreseeable future.
AIDS research and organ
transplantation will continue to have a significant impact on the
Critical features for future new animal facilities will be the
need for research using laboratory animals. Animals will serve a
capacity to provide for the health, safety and comfort of the
vital role in unraveling the mysteries of maladies of the elderly,
human work force and to provide an environment for highly
the addicted, and the mentally disturbed, as well as numerous
sensitive animal subjects compatible with their needs. This
other human health related problems.
dictates that the work environment be devoid of unpleasant
animal odors and animal allergens; aesthetically pleasing to
Transgenesis is now a common investigative technique
employees and visitors; and consistent with the needs of
requiring special needs. Because of its genetic diversity the
investigators engaged in animal research. The design should be
laboratory mouse provides a practical means for studying
such that animal housing and animal procedures are
mammalian gene function. Due to the need to protect unique
accomplished in the Veterinary Medical Unit (VMU) away from the
animal subjects from adverse environmental influences, housing
areas of human/patient traffic and other activities not related to
conditions are more critical for transgenic animals and
animal research.
immunologically deficient rodents than for conventional research
The Public Health Service Guide for the Care and Use of
animals. The growing use of virus antibody free (VAF) animals
Laboratory Animals and the most recent regulations promulgated
further dictates that facility design provide rigid environmental
by the United States Department of Agriculture under the Animal
controls.
Welfare Act establish criteria to be met through all phases of the
design process, unless otherwise noted. The design must also
ARCHITECTURAL ASPECTS:
be consistent with requirements of the American Association for
Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC).
Siting
Animal Research Trends
Accessibility to other research laboratories, delivery of
A continuing decline in use of dogs, cats, and primates as
supplies and control of access by visitors are of prime concern in
research subjects is probable, however the rate and extent of
siting design. If possible, the animal facility should be located
decline will vary depending on the nature of research at a
within or near the main hospital building but well separated from
particular VA medical center. Future animal research will require
public and patient areas. Ideally, the animal facility is confined to
greater emphasis on precise environmental control for a smaller
a single floor at ground level. This is cost effective and
number of expensive microbiologically and genetically
advantageous from a user's standpoint for receipt of animals and
engineered rodent species.
supplies, and for waste disposal.
VA Design Guide -- Veterinary Medical Unit
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