Transportation of research or teaching animals within or between campus buildings is an essential component of the research enterprise. The integrity and well being of the animals being transported are necessary for the quality of the research and the welfare of the animals. It is important to maintain the animals' health status by avoiding exposure to potential pathogens, preventing injury, and reducing stressors such as temperature extremes, odors, excessive noise, and confrontations with other animals. Transporting research animals requires heightened attention to detail to ensure safety and well being for the animals as well as personnel in areas where the animals must pass. Human health concerns include allergies of animal origin, injury from escaped animals, and exposure to hazards such as microorganisms, chemicals, or radioactive materials.
The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals states that animal transportation "should provide an appropriate level of animal biosecurity ... while minimizing zoonotic risks, protecting against environmental extremes, avoiding overcrowding, providing for the animals' physical, physiologic, or behavioral needs and comfort, and protecting the animals and personnel from physical trauma." This document will expand upon these principles for the investigators and laboratory and technical staff at the University of Michigan.