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Construction effects on laboratory animals: Communication is key

Lab Animal volume 49, page 271 (2020)Cite this article

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Unalleviated stress is an intentional component of several animal models used to induce a stress response, which is then examined during the course of a study. The stress response occurs by using a standardized method of inducement for a defined period of time and is IACUC-approved. At Great Eastern University, however, animals that were already on studies were affected by construction occurring in a nearby location on campus. The use of heavy construction equipment often results in loud noise and vibration. If close enough in proximity, the animals can detect this noise and vibration, which often promotes decreased breeding efficiency, abortion, cannibalism, and aggression. These effects, in turn, can lead to problems with establishing breeding schemes, the loss of data, and project delays.

If the affected animals at Great Eastern University are funded by an NIH grant or if the Great Eastern University’s entire animal care and use program is covered by their Assurance, then the University is to report this matter to NIH OLAW. We agree that the event is ‘unalleviated stress,’ but we would also characterize this as an unanticipated adverse animal event, especially given the outcome of increased cannibalism.

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  1. Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA

    Karen L. Rogers & Susan Glowacz

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  1. Karen L. Rogers
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  2. Susan Glowacz
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Correspondence to Karen L. Rogers or Susan Glowacz.

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Rogers, K.L., Glowacz, S. Construction effects on laboratory animals: Communication is key. Lab Anim 49, 271 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41684-020-0640-z

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