Sanitization is an important activity performed in the laboratory animal facilities and periodical assessment of sanitization provides confidence in surface cleanliness as well as health status of animals in the vivarium. The primary objective was to evaluate routine disinfection and/or sanitization practices upon verifying the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) bioluminescence method, which further expressed as relative light units (RLU), a relatively easy and rapid method to interpret results within a minute after the swab sampling performed on any surface. A five-year data compilation showed that RLU values were within the in-house acceptable limits of animal rooms sampled from racks, isolators, doors, trolleys, cage changing stations, tables, walls and cage accessories. However, some of the materials such as racks and trolleys of high-traffic areas showed a significant increase in RLU values due to organic matters that might be present on the equipment surfaces but recorded values were well within the limits set by the facility. Additionally, contact plates were also used as confirmatory method to evaluate microbial monitoring in animal rooms including cage accessories and further historical values of RLU provided confidence to increase monthly contact plate sampling interval to a quarterly basis and followed as per the schedule. Moreover, representative samples from incoming animals were screened by microbial monitoring at regular intervals during the quarantine period and active sentinel samples also screened for serology or PCR as part of comprehensive health monitoring program. In conclusion, ATP method can be used to assess the real-time effectiveness of sanitization practices in vivarium as it provides immediate feedback to animal care personnel that enables corrective actions; hence the ATP bioluminescence is continued as one of the complementary methods at our laboratory animal facility.

Modern vivarium operation requires collective efforts by cross-functional teams especially within the collaborative research organizations for the successful outcomes of comprehensive laboratory animal care program. The drug discovery with rapid screening turnovers and innovative approaches demands infrastructure expansion by increasing several other capabilities in vivarium. The strategic portfolio changes and therapeutic areas closure retained several high-end equipment’s left unused that eventually occupied space in the barrier system which intricate daily operations and space management became challenging over the period. The vivarium facility was under continuous improvement by the quality assurance program based on monthly independent audit reports and compiled the compliance including animal welfare standards of at least 5 years period. Corporate initiatives such as Kaizen events, 5S concepts, Gemba walk and green labs certifications were implemented systematically at various phases across the organization including vivarium. The leadership team was a driving force behind the lean management practices and its implementation. The quality assurance program was able to bring out several improved operational processes notably by creating an additional quarantine space; repurposing high-end equipment for other investigators to support their ongoing programs; effective space utilization by creating in-house diagnostic laboratory; donating low-density animal racks for academic institutions as part of educational outreach efforts; containment of solid radioactive waste disposal by compaction process for longer half-life radioisotopes. In conclusion, lean management practices collectively demonstrated a measurable outcome in terms of continuous process improvement, effective vivarium management by ensuring compliance based on periodical observations without compromising animal welfare, conservation of energy and resources, effective space utilization and systematic implementation of 5S concepts by repurposing of equipment to other laboratories. Overall, the system-driven process has improved the standards with better performance that eventually enhanced the quality and productivity at the laboratory animal facility.

The establishments registered with the Committee for Control and Supervision of Experiments on Animals (CCSEA), Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) certified, and AAALAC International accredited were obtained from online sources. The spatial distribution map of the establishments was prepared by collecting latitude and longitude using Quantum Geographic Information System (QGIS) version 3.4 Madeira, an open-source software. The establishments registered with CCSEA, GLP certified, and AAALAC accredited in India were 1583, 52, and 28, respectively and the period was confined to 1999 to 2023. Based on the organization nature, more private establishments were registered with CCSEA [1132], GLP [48], and AAALAC International [28] than Government establishments. The type of animals used for animal experiments by the establishments revealed that the small animals were in CCSEA [91.5%], GLP [68%], and AAALAC International [71%] compared to large animals. Based on the breeding purpose, establishments carrying in-house breeding were in CCSEA [79%], GLP [71%], and AAALAC International [70%]. The purpose of registration showed a higher number of establishments with educational purposes for CCSEA, and contract establishments for GLP and AAALAC International. The state-wise analysis revealed a higher number of establishments registered with CCSEA, GLP certified, and AAALAC International accredited were in Maharashtra, Telangana, and Maharashtra, respectively. The goals of CCSEA, GLP, and AAALAC International are to enhance the animal well-being and quality of animal experiments, improve laboratory animal facility standards, and enhance biological research on humans and animals. Further, there is a need for a good monitoring system for the establishments involved in animal experiments in India.

A spontaneous genetic mutation in Sprague Dawley rats was detected at the ICMR-NIN animal facility. The spontaneously mutated rat was examined for body composition, serum biochemistry, peripheral blood CD4 and CD8 cell population, and spontaneous tumour growth. We observed the spontaneous development of tumours in 24 animals on crossbreeding. The animals showed no significant differences in vital organ structure as compared to the heterozygous animals. Interestingly, both homozygous (hairless) and heterozygous rats developed spontaneous fibroadenomas in their mammary glands during adulthood, which was distinct from the parent NIN/SD rat colony. Importantly, there was no connection between the biochemical and T cell population and the presence of these tumours. The histological characteristics of the tumours closely resembled mammary tumours in humans. In conclusion, the hairless SD rat model with thymus will serve as a valuable tool in cancer research, particularly in mammary tumour studies

All religions are concerned with the care and welfare of animals, paying respect to the animals. Beliefs and attitudes towards animals that are based on religious and cultural perspectives play an important role in human-animal relationships. Christian attitudes have been impacted by Western philosophical consideration of human-animal relationships, whereas Eastern religions (Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam) and their teachings impose varying values on the existence of animals. Even though their justifications affect the views of individuals and their feelings toward animal testing, scientists continue to employ animals in their research. Even though it is impossible to underestimate the worth of a life, this article describes the religious perspectives on animal existence and harming to animals. Keywords: Laboratory Animals, Religion, Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity,

The article summarises the outcomes of an international conference of Laboratory Animal Scientists' Association (LASA, India) on "Advancements of 3Rs in Biomedical Research, Laboratory Animal Science and Welfare: International Perspectives" which was organised by the Conference Committee and Organising Secretary, Dr. R K Shakthi Devan, Syngene International Ltd, Bangalore; Secretary, Laboratory Animal Scientists’ Association; and Indian College of Laboratory Animal Medicine at National Science Seminar Complex, JN Tata Auditorium, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore on 7 and 8 November 2023 and preconference workshops also held on 6 November 2023. LASA India is a national organization dedicated to advancing laboratory animal science by promoting the ethical care and use of laboratory animals. LASA has more than 1000 life members from biomedical professionals including Veterinarians, Scientists, Academicians, Researchers, Technical experts from industry, state and central institutions in the field of laboratory animal science. The organisers felt a need for the promotion of 3R’s (Replacement, Reduction and Refinement) through this international event which was planned meticulously