Aquatic Animal Housing and Support Areas Inspection Checklist
The Facility Inspection Checklist is used to help in conducting semiannual reviews of programs and facilities for the care and use of animals.
MaintainX
07/26/2022
Aquatic Animal Housing and Support Areas Inspection Checklist
The Facility Inspection Checklist is used to help in conducting semiannual reviews of programs and facilities for the care and use of animals.
Date:
Location:
Location:
animal areas separate from personnel areas
separation of species
separation by disease status
security and access control
Construction:
corridors
animal room doors
exterior windows
floors
drainage
walls and ceilings
heating ventilation and air conditioning
power and lighting
noise control
vibration control
environmental monitoring
Water Quality:
standards for acceptable quality are established
chlorine, chloramines, chemical, and reactive bioproducts are removed or neutralized prior to use in aquatic systems
Life Support System:
water source is based on appropriate controls and research requirements
biofilter is of sufficient size to process bioload
Temperature, Humidity and Ventilation/Illumination/Noise and Vibration:
temperature and humidity
ventilation and air quality
illumination
noise and vibration
Primary Enclosure:
allows for normal physiological and behavioral needs
allows social interaction for social species
provides a balanced, stable environment
provides appropriate water quality and monitoring
allows access to food and waste removal
restricts escape and entrapment
allows undisturbed observation
constructed of nontoxic materials
prevents electrical hazards
space needs of species are evaluated by IACUC during program evaluations and facility inspections
Environmental Enrichment, Social Housing, Behavioral and Social Management:
enrichment elicits appropriate behaviors and is safe
semi-aquatic reptiles are provided terrestrial areas
handling is kept to a minimum and appropriate techniques are in place at facility or protocol level
nets are cleaned, disinfected and managed to avoid contamination of systems
Food:
storage to prevent contamination, preserve nutrients and prevent pests
delivery ensures access to all , minimizing aggression and nutrient loss
storage times are based on manufacturer recommendations or accepted practice
a nutritionally complete diet is provided
Substrate:
amount, type and presentation of substrate is appropriate for the system and the species
Sanitation, Cleaning and Disinfection
frequency of tank/cage cleaning and disinfection is determined by water quality, permits adequate viewing and health monitoring
cleaning and disinfection of macroenvironment
Waste Disposal:
procedures for collection
hazardous wastes are rendered safe before removal from facility
animal carcasses
Pest Control:
regularly scheduled
documented program including control of pests and insecticide use
Emergency, Weekend, and Holiday Animal Care:
care provided by qualified personnel every day
provision for accessible contact information
o emergency response plans in place to address major system failures
veterinary care available after hours, weekends, and holidays
Identification:
cage/tank cards contain required information
genotype information included and standardized nomenclature used when applicable
Recordkeeping:
water quality parameters and frequency of testing recorded
records kept on feeding, nonexpired food supplies, live cultures
Storage:
adequate space for equipment, supplies, food, substrate and refuse
substrate protected from contamination
food in vermin-free, temperature and humidity controlled area and protected from contamination
refuse storage is separate
carcass and animal tissue storage is separate, refrigerated below 7ºC and cleanable
Personnel:
adequate space for locker rooms, administration and training
Source: MaintainX (Community Member)