Standard Operating Procedures

Unpacking Shipping Containers of Live Animals

Last updated: December 7, 2011

I. Purpose
Properly unpacking shipped animals from shipping containers will reduce the number of unknown and unwanted microorganisms and other vectors/fomites from entering the University of Montana - Missoula animal facilities.

II. Responsibility
It is the responsibility of all LAR staff and animal users to know the proper, safe and clean method for unpacking animals from shipping containers.

III. Procedure

• Shipping containers of live animals arrive at the HSB animal facility, HS009. Shipping containers must be sprayed with MB10 disinfectant and taken to a designated unpacking room (HS016 or SB033).
• Check shipping containers for damage. Damaged containers cannot be accepted from the shipper.
• Call the AV with questions or concerns regarding the condition of shipping containers.
• Cages, cage cards and all supplies should be pre-set up in these rooms.
• Disinfect the work space for unpacking the containers with MB10 disinfectant.
• Wear a lab coat, booties, and two pairs of lab gloves.
• After the shipping container is opened, remove the outer pair of gloves and discard them into the trash.
• Handle the animals with CLEAN gloves only. If in doubt, put on a new pair of gloves before handling the animals.
• Place animals in cages using the appropriate directions from the order form.
• Note the general health and body condition of animals.  USDA animals require entry health check (enter information in animal specific notebook).
• Contact AV with any health problems before moving animal cages out of the unpacking areas.
• Water bottles may be filled, but do not put feed into hopper until the cages are in their final destination room.
• If there is more than one transport container, double glove again and follow steps 5-9.Before moving cages into their final destination room, mist the cages again with MB10 disinfectant.
• Place the feed in the food hoppers and place cage on appropriate rack.
• Call or email investigator regarding arrival of animals.