Hi folks, I want to chat a bit about #zebrafish emergency preparedness. I'm just a lowly registered vet tech, but I'd like to share some insight about what we need to do to ensure the health and welfare needs of our animals are met...
First and foremost, room checks are essential and need to be done daily. This means checking the room is normal and the life support system is working as intended. Redundancies and alarm systems must be tested now (but should be tested on a regular basis)...
and a very detailed (add photos!) guide on how to check the room(s) must be created. Check if your system allows for remote monitoring, and get your home VPN etc set up. Consider a webcam if there's no other option?
Calibrate your probes! Check your stock levels and fill up your dosing systems. Make sure it is *very* clear how to re-fill these systems. You want to set things up so that even a mammal user can understand how to do things. :)
Feeding. That's a tough one. We feed laboratory #zebrafish a lot because we need eggs out of them, and we need them ASAP. Healthy subadults and adults can go a few days at a time with no food, but this won't be compatible in the short term with egg production.
Consider, for your specific system, how changes in feeding from under-experienced or rushed feeders might impact your water parameters and tank self-cleaning. Weigh this against the potential risks of 24-72hr fasts.
And please, if you have designated fish care staff, and they need to come in during a closure, do not come to the fish facility! You NEED your care staff, and you don't want to risk their health. Let them do their thing, they'd probably be happier if you just emailed them.
This difficult time will definitely be one to reflect on in the future. Make note of your facility deficiencies and remedy them ASAP.
Oh, and one last thing: join and get involved with @ZHAonline. They will consistently be your best resource and community for all things zebrafish husbandry. I think we're going to need some emergency preparedness resources up on that site... :)
