All Imports must be coordinated through OACM.

We request health monitoring (HM) reports for inbound animals, as well as general husbandry and facility information for the UVM Veterinarian to review prior to authorization.

The University Veterinarian will review health status and decide if the animals can be accepted as is, or if they require treatment and retesting prior to arrival. In some cases we are unable to accept animals regardless of treatment.

Upon arrival, imported animals are housed in quarantine until HM tests come back negative for exclusionary pathogens. The cost of HM sampling and shipping is passed on to the lab.

Instructions

1. Submit Import requests on OACM's electronic ordering software "VOS"
2. Complete form in its entirety, including:
   1. full contact information, so that OACM can contact the institution for current HM reports
   2. full information about animal quantities, strains, and genders
3. Submit the completed form

If applicable, the lab must:

• submit an amendment to the IACUC to add new strains to the Protocol; see "Animal Use Protocol Amendment" on the IACUC website under Forms. The amendment must be approved before OACM can arrange to receive animals.
• put in place a Material Transfer Agreement (MTA)

When your request is approved, OACM will coordinate the shipping details.

All Exports must be coordinated through OACM.

We ensure that the receiving facility is provided the most recent health monitoring (HM) information for the animals to be shipped. We obtain approval prior to shipment and coordinate a health exam from the UVM Veterinarian before the animals leave.

Instructions

1. Submit Export requests on OACM's electronic ordering software "VOS"
2. Complete form in its entirety, including:
   1. full contact information
   2. which animals are to be exported, so we can send the appropriate HM reports
3. Clearly mark cages designated for shipment per form instructions
4. Submit completed form

NOTE: For mouse exports, a Material Transfer Agreement (MTA) is required.

When your request is approved, OACM will coordinate the shipping details.

See Per Diem Rates for current service fees.

Health Monitoring (HM) Costs

Imported animals must be found clear of exclusionary pathogens before they can be released into OACM colonies. We use Charles River for our HM testing and pass the testing costs onto the PI at cost. Sometimes the HM results indicate that treatment is required before the animals can leave quarantine. In this case, the PI will incur additional HM costs.

Quarantine Costs

All imported animals are held in quarantine until they are used directly from the quarantine room or they are transferred. Quarantine housing per diem rates are calculated as "Biohazard."

Shipping Costs

Animal couriers must be sensitive to the travel risks for animals such as temperature extremes, flight delays, and a safe environment. OACM uses both World Courier and Validated Courier, industry leaders committed to safe animal transport. Shipping costs can range from several hundred up to a thousand or more dollars depending on the distance, number of crates, and total weight. If temperature or weather is extreme and it is not safe to travel en route, animals will be held overnight in a temperature-monitored facility and will be shipped when temperatures are again moderate (an overnight fee is added to the transport cost). Animals are always shipped with enough food and water to sustain them through extended delays.

OACM arranges the shipping and the cost is passed onto your lab without markup. OACM works with the courier to ensure prompt and safe transport and that we are updated on any delays. OACM is able to generate shipping cost estimates for your shipment. These estimates are subject to change in the event of last-minute weather situations.

For questions, contact us at OACM@uvm.edu or (802) 656-0459.