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. 2021 May 1;60(3):244-248.
doi: 10.30802/AALAS-JAALAS-20-000104. Epub 2021 Apr 16.

Pandemic Preparedness in Animal Facilities

Hervé Lerat  1 , Philippe Delis  2 , James Bussell  3 , Patrick Gonin  4
Affiliations

Pandemic Preparedness in Animal Facilities

Hervé Lerat et al. J Am Assoc Lab Anim Sci. .

Abstract

Coping ethically with dramatic changes such as those occurring in times of pandemics is a difficult challenge for animal facilities and for researchers using animals for scientific purposes. Managing such situations is impossible without a specific contingency plan. However, because pandemics are rare events, they have not been included in some disaster plans. We present here various ways to manage the broad and rapid changes that may be necessary during a pandemic, focusing on actions for optimizing the conservation of animals while ensuring continuous high standards of animal welfare. The proposed approach is graduated and encompasses research, researchers, animal caretakers, supply chains, and logistics.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Possible components of a contingency plan; #, predefined list; §, all people might not attend at the same time; $, potential step if members of the backup team are unavailable.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Pandemic-related variations in staffing and possible consequences on animal welfare. (A) Examples of variations in personnel availability during a pandemic with lockdowns. (B) Possible consequences of staff shortage on animal welfare.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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