Health Case Improvements from the Animal Science Center
BU Animal Science Center (ASC) is introducing a few changes to improve how we manage rodent clinical cases. Treatment Exclusion Form: When we observe rodents with treatable health conditions, this form (completed by the investigator) will permit us to begin treatment under the oversight of the clinical veterinarian unless animals are excluded from treatment per […]
Memo: Animal Science Center Update on COVID-19, 3/23
Dear Researcher, As stated in the March 23 message from the Office of the Provost, the Animal Science Center is asking all BU Investigators and Research Labs to end all non-critical work involving animals. ASC will be operating only to provide basic animal husbandry and veterinary oversight (feed, water, cage change, enrichment provision, wean/separation, veterinary […]
BU ASC Vivarium Operational Changes effective Monday 3/23/2020
Dear Researcher, To proactively manage our animal colonies and resources under the current and predicted restrictions posed by COVID-19, ASC is implementing the following changes within our vivaria effective Monday 3/23/2020: Reduced PPE in rodent areas: Working with EHS, ASC has created a plan to reduce the use of face masks, hairnets, and jumpsuits inside our […]
COVID-19 Communication from ASC
Dear Principal Investigators and Research Teams, We are following up on the memo sent out by the Office of Research (COVID-19 Update on Research Activity) related to preparing your laboratory to adapt to the impact of disruptions related to COVID-19. According to the guidance from the Office of Research, research involving critical data collection activities […]
Animal Operations Update: Protocol Numbers
This spring, BU’s Animal Science Center will be rolling out a new and improved electronic system, Animal Operations (AOps), to request animals, imports, exports, and veterinary services; reserve procedure space and equipment; and much more. The Animal Operations system will be integrated with the IACUC system. Both are part of the Huron Research Suite. In […]
Reminder: New Animal Operations Software Coming in 2020
Dear BU ASC Researcher, I am writing to let you know about changes that will be coming to BU’s Animal Science Center (ASC). We are in the process of implementing a new system that will impact many business processes. Animal Operations (AOps) is a new software system that will increase transparency and efficiency in the […]
New Animal Operations Software Coming in 2020
Animal Operations (AOps) is a new software system that will increase transparency and efficiency in the BU Animal Science Center. Labs doing research in the ASC will use the new system to request animals, imports, exports, and veterinary services; reserve procedure space and equipment; and much more. The integrated, electronic system will allow us to […]
Memo: Lab Animal Per Diem Rate Changes, May 8, 2019
TO: Boston University Deans, Department Chairs, Principal Investigators, Department Administrators, and Grant Administrators FROM: Gloria Waters, Vice President and Associate Provost for Research Karen Antman, Provost, Medical Campus, and Dean, School of Medicine DATE: May 8, 2019 SUBJECT: Lab Animal Per Diem Rate Changes Boston University is committed to managing its animal care facilities as […]
ASC: Pathogen screening of mice from non-approved vendors
What’s changing? The BU Animal Science Center (ASC) recently updated our biosecurity program to allow the importation of mice from institutions positive for previously excluded pathogens. As a result, the ASC is introducing testing for mouse norovirus (MNV) and Helicobacter upon receipt of new colonies from non-approved vendors, which includes all academic institutions. This testing […]
ASC: Mouse norovirus and helicobacter no longer excluded pathogens on W8
As part of an ongoing operational review of policies and procedures at the BU Animal Science Center, research leadership has decided to no longer pursue the eradication of two excluded pathogens—mouse norovirus (MNV) and Helicobacter—among the conventional colonies on W8. They will remain excluded from all other housing spaces managed by the BUASC. This decision […]