Health Management and Monitoring

The concept of “health” in laboratory animal science is a crucial link that brings together ethical, scientific, and practical considerations. It plays a central role in ensuring the successful and responsible conduct of experiments involving laboratory animals. Comprehensive care of laboratory animals depends on effective health management and requires close co-operation between those working with the animals. Persons working with laboratory animals must be qualified, and the supervision of animals by trained personnel is essential to ensure animal health. This chapter provides examples of how to establish effective communication and identifies key personnel responsible for animal health. Microbiological health monitoring is a fundamental aspect of the operation of an animal research facility. It provides the ability to identify and control the presence of microorganisms, which is important for both research integrity and animal welfare. This chapter serves as a practical guide to assist veterinarians at every stage, from planning and implementation to interpretation of results. It also provides guidelines for outbreak management and biosecurity programs, which are essential to prevent the spread of disease and protect the overall health of laboratory animals. Monitoring the health of laboratory animals in a proactive and facility-specific manner is an essential part of the veterinarian’s responsibilities.