Efficacy of mini-containment units in isolating mice from micro-organisms

Abstract

Two groups of mice with different microbiological flora were housed in the same room, one group in individually ventilated cages (IVC) and the other in a ventilated cabinet. Routine health screening carried out at regular intervals revealed that these mini-containment units were effective in preventing exchange of micro-organisms between the two groups of mice. Although the animals in the IVC racks did become contaminated with organisms from an unknown source. there is no evidence to suggest that the IVC racks did not function properly. Therefore mini-containment units offer considerable potential for controlling the health status of animals in different groups but work with such animals must take place in accordance with standard operating procedures.