The University of Tennessee Health Science Center - Department of Comparative Medicine 

SOP Requirements to Receive Animals

On occasion, investigators wish to receive rodents (rats or mice) from another institution or an unapproved source. In order to approve receipt of this shipment, we need the following information:

1.  A recent (within 3 months) health monitoring report for the colony that this shipment will originate from.

NOTE: No shipments can be received without a current health / monitoring report and prior approval from DCM. The report should include serology for murine pathogen, as well as surveillance and test results for internal and external parasites. You may fax this report to DCM at the following fax number:
Department of Comparative Medicine
University of Tennessee, Memphis
956 Court, Box 17 Memphis, Tennessee
USA Telephone 901.448.5656
Fax 901.448.8506
Attn: Dr. Mildred Randolph
2.  A completed DCM Animal Requisition.

3.  The name, address, institution, telephone and fax numbers, and e-mail address of the sender.

4.  A completed Outside Vendor Rodent Health Information Form.  The microbial status of the colony of origin will determine the conditions of receipt, housing location, and husbandry requirements.

a.  Rodents infected with or suspected of being infected with any murine pathogen are restricted to biocontainment and must be housed and under those conditions. Housing in biocontainment is very limited and should be scheduled in advanced.

b.  Rodents that originate from colonies that are demonstrated negative for murine pathogens will be quarantined for 3 weeks.

5.  When authorization for shipping has been granted, the following shipping information must be sent to DCM by fax or e-mail: Dr. Mildred Randolph
a. Airway bill number
b. Carrier or airline
c. Flight numbers
d. Arrival date and time
6.  It is advantageous for shipping arrangements to be scheduled in advance, and delivery timed for early in the week (Monday or Tuesday) in case there are delays. It is also advantageous for the final flights to arrive in Memphis prior to 5:00 pm to facilitate clearance through customs. If the arrival time is after 5:00 pm, customs cannot clear the shipment until the following morning.

7.  It is important that the contact and shipping addresses for all animal orders are through the Department of Comparative Medicine. The Department of Comparative Medicine provides all animal transportation from Memphis International Airport. The shipping address and contact numbers for the shipments are:

    University of Tennessee, Memphis
    Department of Comparative Medicine
    956 Court, Room B 106 Memphis, TN USA
    telephone 901.448.5656
    fax 901.448.8506
    Attention: Dr. Mildred Randolph
Should you have any question regarding receipt or shipping of animals, please contact the Department of Comparative Medicine at 448-5656.
 
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Last Updated: 5/31/00
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