Support the production and maintenance of Genetically Altered (GA) animals in a Home Office designated establishment

This standard covers the use of Genetically Altered (GA) animals in scientific research and includes the competencies required to support the production and maintenance of breeding colonies of GA animals.

When working with research animals recognise humanity’s obligation to them and your responsibility for ensuring their proper care and treatment at all times.

You will be familiar with the background reasons and ethical considerations for using GA animals in scientific research, and have an understanding of aspects of breeding, maintenance, genetic monitoring and cryopreservation of laboratory colonies.

This standard is for animal technologists in Home Office designated establishments.

It is essential that you work strictly within the limits of the relevant project licence.

1. confirm that your work is carried out in accordance with the approved codes of practice and the organisation’s procedures and within the limits of your authority, expertise, training, competence and experience
2. carry out all work in accordance with the relevant environmental and health and safety legislation, risk assessment requirements, codes of practice and the organisation’s policies
3. assess the risks to health and safety before starting and throughout the activity
4. comply with legislation, codes of practice and the organisation’s policies relating to the care and welfare of animals in a Home Office designated establishment
5. use safe practices and the correct clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) for the activity
6. maintain the required levels of hygiene and biosecurity in accordance with the organisation’s procedures
7. maintain communication with colleagues and all those involved in, or affected by, your work
8. support the production of a line of GA animals from founder stock or first-generation animals
9. take samples of DNA using the least invasive method appropriate for scientific analysis
10. check the physical condition of the animals, their readiness for breeding, and prepare them in the required manner
11. maintain a colony of GA animals to meet the scientific requirements of a research project, focusing on reduction in animal wastage
12. maintain the health and condition of GA animals throughout their reproductive cycle
13. monitor GA lines for the presence of unique and potentially harmful phenotypes and report this in accordance with the organisation’s procedures
14. maintain the health and welfare of animals by providing care, veterinary-prescribed treatments and any special dietary requirements
15. record and monitor the environmental conditions suitable for the species and report problems in accordance with the organisation’s procedures
16. deal with waste from the activity safely and correctly in accordance with legislation and the organisation’s requirements
17. keep accurate and up-to-date records as required by the relevant legislation and the organisation
18. record key breeding performance metrics, including the production rate and pre-weaning mortality, and report concerns in accordance with the organisation’s procedures
19. conduct all activities within the provisions of the project licence

1. your responsibilities under the relevant environmental and health and safety legislation, codes of practice and the organisation’s policies
2. your responsibilities for the care and welfare of animals in a Home Office designated establishment under the relevant animal welfare legislation and Home Office codes of practice
3. the reasons for using animals in scientific research and humanity’s responsibilities to them
4. the importance and correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when carrying out activities in a Home Office designated establishment
5. the importance of maintaining the appropriate levels of hygiene and biosecurity and the procedures for this
6. the definitions of chromosome, gene, DNA, genotype, phenotype, homozygous, heterozygous, transgenic, wildtype and founder stock
7. the methods used to take samples for DNA analysis for the animals you are working with
8. how to check the physical condition of the animals and their readiness for breeding
9. the justification for using GA animals and the role of the Ethical Review Process (AWERB) in cost benefit analysis
10. the principles of the 3Rs, Replacement, Reduction and Refinement, in relation to the production and maintenance of GA animals
11. why it is necessary to genotype progeny and how to evaluate the results
12. the possible reasons why genotyping results may not conform to the expected Mendelian ratios
13. the breeding animals, including the selection of future breeding stock (FBS) from genotyping results
14. the environmental and husbandry conditions required for breeding animals
15. the importance of effective communication with scientists (internal and external) and colleagues when breeding and/or transporting animals
16. the identification of any environmental concerns and the procedure for reporting these
17. the additional welfare considerations that may be required in breeding and maintaining GA lines
18. the reasons for cryopreservation and re-derivation in GA lines
19. how to identify when GA lines exhibit unique and potentially harmful phenotypes and the action that should be taken
20. key breeding performance metrics that need to be recorded, including production rate and pre-weaning mortality, and the procedure for reporting concerns
21. the requirements of the current legislation relating to the production of GA animals, the relevant licences, codes of practice, humane end points, severity limits and welfare score sheets
22. the requirements under the current health and safety and environmental protection legislation for maintaining and disposing of GMO animals, Genetically Modified Organisms (contained uses)
23. the provisions of the project licence