Thread by @csaviochan

Here are some tips re mouse colony during #COVID19. It is somewhat lab specific. Think about what will happen in 6–8 weeks.

General:
- vivarium staff is considered essential; expect skeleton level care
- expect reduced staff because of sickness and family obligations

Management (C57):
- sac all old breeders (7–8+ mos)
- reduce breeding to maintenance only (i.e., not expts), down to 1–2 per line
- set up breeding pairs (< 5 mo) for line maintenance
- sac/separate breeders instead of sac’ing new litters cont'ly for ethics/logistic reasons

- keep young weanings; sac all females under extreme situations
- note: generally male mice < 9 mos, female mice < 6 mos are good breeders
- anticipate potential food/water supply shortages and/or reduced capacity in the vivarium

- label all critical cages and breeders (both current and future) as 'essential' to ensure research continuity.
- cryopreserve and share lines widely to build a strong infrastructure to prevent loss
- designate a primary person and a backup as essential personnel

Satellite:
- all mouse cages in the satellite should be returned to the vivarium for central care and housing
- provide fresh and sufficient bedding, food, and water
- ensure that all cages have a barcode and that transfers are properly processed