Ear Canal Camera as An Economical Alternative to Video Laryngoscope
Revising the Current Edition of the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals Inside ILAM 2024 Understanding CMAR Eligibility Leadership Summit Recap
Metropolitan NY Branch, District 6, and District 8 Hold Meetings
AALAS Leadership Summit 2024
Metro New York AALAS Aseptic Surgery Workshop By Kleber Ojeda, LAT
Iowa Branch Hosts District 6 Meeting
By Emily Meyering, RVT, RLATG
District 8 Meeting Summary
By Kati Marshall, CMAR, RLATG, District 8 Trustee
AALAS Foundations
By Mark D. Snead, BS, RALAT, ILAM
40 Easy Rabbit Intubation for All: Ear Canal Camera as An Economical Alternative to Video Laryngoscope
By Andrea D. Moffitt, MLAS, DVM, DACLAM and Kendra McDaid, BS, CVT, LATG
Honoring the Memory of Bill & Millicent Gay and Announcing the Winners of the Student Video Essay Contest!
Ad List
Inside the IACUC: Revising the Current Edition of the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals
By Stacy Pritt, DVM, MS, MBA, CPIA, CHRC, DACAW
What Qualifies Someone To Sit For the CMAR Exams?(What Defines Someone As A Manager Regarding CMAR Certification)
On the cover; ILAM Skit Night is underway with multiple teams performing various skits using dramatics and props.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
PRESIDENT
Robert H. Quinn
VICE PRESIDENT
James D. Macy
VICE PRESIDENT-ELECT
Jori K. Leszczynski
PAST PRESIDENT
Pamela A. Straeter
SECRETARY/TREASURER
Timothy D. Mandrell
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Thomas L. Joseph
TRUSTEES
District One
Jennifer L. Asher
District Two
Erin E. Vogelsong
District Three
Donna D. Tignor
District Four
Janet Lynn Steele
District Five
Stacy R. Cantrell
District Six
Stephen I. Levin
District Seven
Adrienne Ferguson
District Eight
Katherine M. Marshall
AT-LARGE TRUSTEE
Debra L. Hickman
Kenneth B. Shapiro
Gordon Yee
Jason S. Villano
Thomas L. Joseph Publisher
Ashlee Vaughn Associate Editor
STAFF
Chris Lyons Associate Publisher
Degan Mesler Production Zara Garza Design
Jennifer C. Smith Editor
Heather Lampi Ad Sales
EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD
Leslie Birke Louisiana State Univ
Andrew Burich Benaroya Research Institute
Bob Dauchy Tulane Univ School of Medicine
David DeOrnellis Champions Oncology
Penny Devlin Pennsylvania State Univ College of Medicine
Sonia Doss Duke Univ Medical Center
Kelly Ethun Emory University
Glenn Jackson Cornell University
Richard Marble Oakland University
Elizabeth Nunamaker Charles River Laboratories
MISSION STATEMENT
Sara Oglesby Abbvie
Jane Olin Edwards Life Sciences
Karuna Patil Seattle Children's Research Institute
Amy Pierce Tulane Univ School of Medicine
Stacy Pritt The Texas A&M University System
Laboratory Animal Science Professional (LAS Pro) is the official magazine for American Association for Laboratory Animal Science members. LAS Pro provides a wide range of useful resources and knowledge to the association’s 15,000 laboratory animal science professionals who are involved in advancing responsible laboratory animal care and use to benefit people and animals. All signed articles, including, committee reports, news, and commentary, reflect the individual views of the authors and are not official views of AALAS.
Authorization to photocopy portions for personal or internal use is granted by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science. Photocopying for purposes of resale or outside distribution is prohibited unless written approval is obtained from the AALAS Director of Communications.
Copyright 2024 by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science.
Laboratory Animal Science Professional (USPS 010-730) is published bimonthly by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science, 9190 Crestwyn Hills Drive, Memphis, TN 38125. Periodicals Postage paid at Memphis, TN 38101 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to AALAS, 9190 Crestwyn Hills Drive, Memphis, TN 38125-8538.
It has been a busy, fun, interesting and exciting time to be in AALAS Leadership. Although many of the activities we are involved in occur every year or every other year, we are looking at them with new eyes and new ideas as your new Executive Director, Tom Joseph, learns the ins and outs of our field and our organization. He is not afraid to make us ask the question, “Why have we always done it this way?” and this is paramount to good leadership and adaptation to our changing field and world.
One of the more significant ways we are changing AALAS is by reviewing the methods we, the Board of Trustees, use to govern this organization. For as long as I can remember we have been driven by the BOT basically trying to handle everything by meeting multiple times in Memphis and during the national meeting. This makes it very challenging, especially for folks with little time and/or little institutional support, to be able to fill these top leadership positions. Well, I’m happy to report that this is changing. We have voted to move the BOT meeting from the national meeting to a virtual meeting a couple weeks beforehand. Therefore, the only in-person BOT meeting will occur in conjunction with the leadership summit during the summer. And speaking of the leadership summit, it occurred on June 22nd. For those of you who do not know what that is, it is a chance for all the committee chairs and vice-chairs to come together with the BOT to make their plans for the coming year. We review the current activities for each committee as well as any new activities they would like to propose for the coming year. A highlight of this year’s leadership summit was several hours of discussion and activities with Annie Storey, Executive Director of the Illinois Section of the American Water Works Association. Annie focused on another aspect of leadership which plays into our goal of getting more people involved…..delegation. Delegation is key to expanding leadership to those in our field who haven’t necessarily been able to be involved even though they may want to be. We have asked the committee chairs and vicechairs to think of ways they could delegate some of their committee’s activities to others that may not be able to meet the current responsibilities of a full committee member. We’re also looking at possibly defining different roles of the committee; some to handle the jobs that require travel and institutional support, and some that can be accomplished on their own time at home. I’m so excited to see all of the AALAS leadership and the AALAS office staff embracing this idea of changing to ensure more diverse representation at every level.
And speaking of leadership, as of this writing we have just completed the election of our newest members of the Executive Committee and BOT. I want to take this opportunity to congratulate Brian Ebert and Mark Sharpless for being elected Vice President Elect and Secretary/Treasurer. I also want to congratulate our newest Trustees and Alternate Trustees: Erika Wiltrout, Jennifer Mitchell, Karena Thek, Sarah Gilliam, Tasha Thomas, Iris Bolton, Carolyn Malinowski, and Julie Roller. We greatly appreciate everyone who was willing to commit their efforts to AALAS by running for these positions. There was some very stiff competition and, those of you who were not elected, please consider running again. You are all very talented and dedicated individuals who will make great AALAS leaders some day!
Know that your organization is currently in great hands (in spite of me), but we can always use more hands and different hands. You all have unique experiences and points of view that can only make AALAS better!
Bob
Robert H. Quinn, DVM, DACLAM President American Association for Laboratory Animal Science
Certification AWARDEES
AALAS recognizes the achievements of the following members who have successfully completed their certification during May-June, 2024
CMAR Certification Recipients
June 2024
Kaitlyn Benjamin
LATG Certification Recipients
Frankki L Allen
Jessica L Carreira
Emily A Carter
Caitlyn R Ceder
Olivia Noel Cho
Tiffany A Cloud
Aleksey Demidenko
Maura Y Devaney
Katherine M Dietrich
Jessica E Flowers
Claire M Gellis
Sangita Biswas
Sierra L Bullock
Arianna Burke
Christian N Calhoun
Jessica Carling
Delana N Carrillo
Gina Coluccio
Killian J Cox
Abigaile K Crago
Melissa Diamond
Edith Foulk
Wesley A Grissom
Chengkai Guo
Fabian Gutierrez
Susan A Halvorson
Janette Alvarado
Susan Anderson
Alexandra R Arsenault
Nathalie M Ayala-Rodriguez
Baylee Bahm
Caillie E Barnett
Victorious Bennett
Amanda Bjertnes
Emily L Godollei-Jacob
Gerardo Gonzalez
Natalie M Griffin
Arlene A Gross
Alina Halstead
Sara Halstead
Stephanie T Hanson
Richard R Harris
Andrew Hart
Patrice Iraheta
Abigail E Kerr
Elizabeth R Kotewicz
Ellie R McPherson
Cara Moore
Rebecka L Morrison
Beau J Murray
Madison G Parks
Kristina M Paz
Angela Peter
Donna Lou Punsalan
Mickayla Reilly
Andrea Ring
LAT Certification Recipients
Beranda S Harper
Katy L Harringer
Brianna R Havens
Sabrina Nicole Kiyomi Haverly
Roberta Hohl
Katja Hugsted Hallman
Ronald M Jackson
Anushka C Jerez
Kristen M Joyce
David W Kostelic
Morgan Mantz
Williams Martinez
Daniele Mazowiecki
Kaci E McClendon
Brittany Minter
Nicole Moest
Jessica L Monning
Christian Montenegro
Maxwell G Namey
Griselle Ochoa-Perez
Walter E Pena
Angela Peter
Ashley E Rennie
Kurt A Roman
Anthony M Salvador
Mayra Sabrina Sanchez
Abigail R Schooling
Ryan E Schwartz
Jacqueline J Shirley
ALAT Certification Recipients
Haven A Borghi
James B Bowring
Joesph R Brandle
Cassandra M Brown
Taylor R Browning
Haley Burns
Samantha M Calixto
Sean-Daniel T Campos
Helen M Casamento
Mark Anthony T Caswell
Victorjose Catalan
Lisette Centeno
Jayvon Chimilio
Lauren Cipollo
Alyssa Comer
Brynna Connolly
Melinda Sanchez
Donald K Shrawder Jr
Allison T Smith
Jessica C Swenka
Jennifer L Thompson
David N Torii
Kyleen T Tyler
Victoria LJ Vaughn
Heidi Maricela Velasco
Kaitlyn E Worthington
Haley Wrightnour
Erika N Smith
Audrey M Soldenwagner
Alexa Spencer Eliza Stolz
Tita A Tapia
Kok Huan Teo
Aaron Thornton
Alaina D Tobery
Haley R Tucker
Zoila J Vaquera
Laura A Visco
Emily Helen Zweig
Ruth J Daghfal
Julianna M Davidson
Mallary Dohm
Dania C Duppins
Cassaundra A Eck
Caroline E Ervin
Cerena Esquibel
Coriana N Felver
Charlotte L Ferro
Michael Florio
Nicholas A Foster
Essence French
Alexandria T Freyburger
Emily D Fuentes
Alexia R Garcia
Bree George
Patricia L Gerich
Katelynne M Giger
Kimberly Gillespie
Dakota Glumm
Jonathan Griffin
Jessie Guadarrama
Garibaldy Guerrero
Leia J Harrison
Anthony Harvey
James E Harvey
Kassandra Hatfield
Jiangxin He
Audree E Herrera-Symonds
Alexander Hoelzel
Claire E Holliday
Andrew O Ifebhor
Casey Jackson
Alexia Jimenez
Jacqueline Keller
Heidi Kollar
Zora Labonte
Rebekka Laverenz
Tykei S Lee
Elisa Lopez
Dylan Marcus
Ethan Martin
Deborah Ann McGrew
Brittany M Means Catalina Melian Venzettah Mentangelezz
Brittany Meyer Rachael A Meyer
Celeste XK Minic
Gian Morales-Marinez
Justin A Morey
Timothy Mullins
Christopher R Myers
Rasha Nadheer
Hannah Neal
Cara N Nelsen
Caitlin L Nguyen Tory Novotny
Florentina F Ortiz
Angelica G Patriano
Cassidi R Peck
Noel L Pena
Laken Pierceall
John J Pipitone
Bonnie Plickert
Stephanie A Ramborger
Brenda Ramirez
Celisha M Rent
Chiron Lawson Chungha Robinson
Michael Safarov
Haley Marie R Sames
Samantha M Schaefer
Brenda Brooke Schoch
Jennifer Schrader
Samantha A Scott
Samantha Shumaker
Natalie Smolnikov
Christian E Sparks Terrile Spratt
Samantha I Stanley Paige Stelter
Brittany Syms
Erica R Tarr
Claire A Theis
Kathrine Tooley
Marisa D Ullock
Madison L Vakulick
Danielle Vasquez
Janet Vertin
Jacqueline Viator
Vahine Victor
Karla K Villarreal
Leah Ward
Adam Weisse
Amanda D Wells
Kember Whitaker
Roberta A Whittemore
Katherine D Wiles
Danta Williams
Kyle N Wilson
Yuwei Xiao
Jonah R York
Sorena R Zakucia
Hayden G Zaluckyj
IN MEMORIAM
Doris Jean Kammer
Doris Jean Kammer of Scottdale, Pennsylvania and Baltimore, Maryland passed away unexpectedly on May 17, 2024 in Towson, Maryland after a brief but intense illness. She was born September 29, 1942 in Scottdale Pennsylvania, a daughter of the late Adam M. and Laura Mae Miedel. Jean was a devoted mother and stepmother. She is survived by her brothers, along with many nieces and nephews.
Jean worked at Hilltop Labs and Bio-Serv, totaling over 50 years in biomedical research sales. She was Bio-Serv’s Regional Sales Manager for over 20 years supporting the Baltimore area and was highly devoted to promoting enrichment and other beneficial Bio-Serv products for laboratory animals. Jean was instrumental in the formulation and development of Bio-Serv’s very first primate enrichment treat, namely, PRIMA Treats, which were launched when environmental enrichment was newly mandated by the Animal Welfare Act in 1985.
Even after her retirement in 2008, Jean and her beloved husband, Charlie, never missed a beat and were vibrant attendees at the National Capital AALAS Branch (NCAB) meetings. Jean would be engaging new and old friends and Charlie would be clicking away with his camera as the meeting’s photographer. Jean loved the laboratory animal science community and made life-long friends as a result. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
Submitted by Karen Froberg-Fejko, LATG, VMD
Everett Engle
Everett Engle 89, of Terre Haute died June 11, 2024. Everett was born four miles East of Farmersburg in a log cabin to the late Harley and Lorean (Baker) Engle.
Everett loved spending time with his family. Everett and his wife enjoyed traveling in the Western United States, especially our beautiful National Parks. Everett was a mall walker for more than 25 years and walked an average of more than 1000 miles per year for several years.
At 14-15 years of age he began raising hamsters as a hobby. One of his best customers was the S.S. Kresge pet department in Terre Haute which sold cages that Everett made. After several years, the business grew beyond his greatest expectations and he shipped to customers cross country, earning him the title of “Youngest Business Entrepreneur in Sullivan County” during his growth.
After graduating from high school, he married his high school sweetheart Barbara Chilton and worked the night shift at Quaker Maid as he continued to develop his business which led to his later founding of Engle Laboratory Animals. In 1963 he resigned from Quaker Maid and devoted full time to his business, whose notable medical research customers were Eli Lilly, Mead Johnson, Dow Chemical, Pfizer, and Upjohn. By 1966, the National Institute of Health recognized Engle Laboratory Animals as the largest hamster producer in the U.S. In 1984 the business was purchased by Harlan Laboratories of Indianapolis which was operating facilities worldwide at that time. He joined Harlan Sprague Dawley as a representative for over 20 years before his retirement.
Jennifer Suto
On the early morning of July 11, Jennifer Suto passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by loved ones. Jennifer was a caring, devoted mother and an incredible wife. She was a compassionate and hard-working individual who approached everything with a warm smile.
Jennifer was deeply involved in various organizations, both in her career and personal life. She served as the president of the NJ AALAS group and took pride in her role, always enjoying meetings with fellow members. When Jennifer moved to Millstone, New Jersey, she joined the local Mom’s club and spoke fondly of the new friends she made and the activities they attended together.
When her son Parker was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum disorder, Jennifer became a passionate advocate for children with special needs. She and her husband founded an organization called Parenting Autism Together, providing support and resources to parents in similar situations. Jennifer’s kind and generous nature will be dearly missed, and her legacy will live on through her children. Her gentle soul and love shine through the darkness of the world. She will be missed by many and loved by all.
Getting Personal
What companion animals do you have? If you have none, then what kind of pet would you like to have?
Currently I don’t have any pets, but very soon will be adopting a dog!
Best binge-watching TV series?
Recently Ozark and Peaky Blinders; but love Frasier!
What are your favorite hobbies?
I love running and enjoy watching and discussing college sports with my son, especially LSU. Geaux Tigers!!!
Where is your dream vacation spot?
Love wilderness, and no place is better than visiting Patagonia, Argentina! It is on my bucket list!
What is your favorite dessert? Cheesecake with black coffee!
LAS PRO-files minutes with... Ramaswamy Chidambaram,
DVM, PhD, DACLAM
Facility/Employer: Center for Comparative Medicine, UConn Health
Job Title: Director/Associate Professor
How did you get in this field?
Serendipity! When I came to North America for my graduate studies, I had very little knowledge about this field. While conducting research, I discovered the crucial role of laboratory animal veterinarians in both clinical care and animal welfare. So, I chose to pursue a lab animal residency program and have continued on this path ever since.
Who were your mentors?
There are several individuals who have supported me along the way, but my first support came from my PhD mentor, Dr. Rustin Moore. He encouraged me to pursue a lab animal residency after my doctoral studies due to my interest in research and clinics. Over the past two decades, several lab animal professionals have helped me grow and learn, including Dr. Bob Quinn, Dr. Henry Warren, and the late Dr. Thomas Martin.
What are your current interests in animal science?
It's hard to pinpoint one specific area within laboratory animal science since I oversee every aspect of the animal research program, including facility operations, clinical care, animal welfare, and the professional development and well-being of my staff, especially compassion fatigue. However, I have a specialized interest in one of the 3Rs—'Reduction' of animals in biomedical research—by using AI tools, sharing data, and more.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I have always been intrigued by opportunities in the pharmaceutical industry but never pursued them. However, I am currently very happy to be the Director at UConn Health, where I focus on improving animal welfare and clinical care for all research animals. I also plan to become more involved in volunteerism, such as with AALAS and other non-profit organizations.
What is your favorite part of your job?
Believe it or not, I love engaging with researchers and supporting their research objectives. Additionally, I have the opportunity to collaborate with researchers across various
fields, from tissue engineering to wound healing, without the need to write grants!
What advice do you have for others just beginning their animal science career?
Be passionate about what you do, and engage in research within your field, whether it involves animal husbandry, training, or veterinary support. And most importantly, always share the observations/findings!!! Lastly, if possible, move across the country for professional growth!
What is the most rewarding aspect of your career?
As a Director, I take immense pride and comfort in knowing that my staff and I are contributing a small but significant part to the future of medicine. Recently, we sent ‘Mighty Mice’ to the International Space Station to study the effects of microgravity on muscle and bone loss.
What is something unexpectedly interesting about your career?
Networking! It has also taken me to different places across the United States, as well as to Europe and Asia, for meetings and presentations! I never imagined this field would help me make so many connections and lasting friendships, both within and outside my institution. This is like a dream job!
Having served the research community for more than 50 years, we are well known for creating products that meet the unique needs of research animals.
While we consider all our products to be an important part of animal care, some stand out as absolutely essential. We are proud that our products, both important and essential, are trusted by researchers around the globe!
Inside ILAM 2024 Inside ILAM 2024
By Mark D. Snead, BS, RALAT, ILAM
Introduction
Mark D. Snead is the Site Supervisor of the RTP Mispro Vivarium in Research Triangle Park (RTP), which is located in Durham, NC. In this article, Mark shares insights from his enriching experience at the Institute for Laboratory Animal Management (ILAM), recounts his tenure as ILAM Class President, and offers valuable advice to future attendees.
Introducing ILAM to Newcomers
ILAM is a premier educational program designed to enhance the leadership and management skills of professionals in the field of laboratory animal science. Established with the aim of fostering excellence in the management of laboratory animal facilities, ILAM provides a comprehensive curriculum that covers a wide range of topics including personnel management, financial planning, regulatory compliance, and strategic planning. Participants benefit from the expertise of industry leaders, engaging workshops, and networking opportunities that collectively contribute to their professional growth and the advancement of the field.
ILAM Spring Session
This spring, ILAM was held at the Hilton Memphis Hotel in Memphis, Tennessee. The session, held from May 5th to May 9th, brought together a diverse group of professionals committed to enhancing their management capabilities. The 5-day program featured a blend of lectures, interactive sessions, and group activities that encouraged participants to apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios. Key topics included leadership development, ethical considerations in animal research, and effective communication strategies. The environment fostered collaboration and allowed attendees to share best practices and innovative solutions.
2024 ILAM Committee
ILAM Skit Night
Highlights from My Time as 2024 Class President
Serving as the 2024 Class President was an honor and a deeply rewarding experience. One of the highlights was the opportunity to facilitate meaningful discussions among my peers, which often led to insightful revelations and creative problem-solving. Additionally, coordinating with the ILAM Committee members and staff to ensure a smooth and impactful program was a privilege that underscored the importance of effective leadership and teamwork. It was inspiring to witness the dedication and passion of my classmates and peers as we navigated through the program together, forming bonds that will undoubtedly extend beyond the confines of ILAM.
Lessons Learned from the ILAM Experience
The ILAM experience provided me with invaluable lessons that have profoundly impacted my professional trajectory. Key takeaways include the importance of adaptive leadership, particularly in the face of evolving challenges in the laboratory animal science field. The program reinforced the significance of strategic thinking and planning, equipping me with tools to make informed decisions that benefit both the animals in our care and the research objectives of our institutions. Furthermore, the emphasis on ethical leadership and integrity served as a reminder of the responsibility we bear in our roles.
Advice for Future ILAM Attendees
For those considering attending ILAM in the future, my advice is to approach the experience with an open mind and a willingness to engage fully. Embrace the opportunity to learn from both the instructors and your peers, as the diverse perspectives you encounter will enrich your understanding and approach to management. Networking is a crucial aspect of ILAM; forge connections that will support your professional development long after the program concludes. Lastly, take advantage of the comprehensive resources and tools provided, and be prepared to implement what you learn to drive positive change within your organization.
Mark Snead, ILAM 2024 Class President.
ILAM Skit Night
Perry Spires, ILAM 2025 Class President.
Small Animal Research Solutions for:
Low-Flow Anesthesia
Physiological Monitoring
Noninvasive Blood Pressure
Ventilators
Animal Warming
Surgical Platforms
Easy Rabbit Intubation for All: Ear Canal Camera as An Economical Alternative to Video Laryngoscope
By Andrea D. Moffitt, MLAS, DVM, DACLAM and Kendra McDaid, BS, CVT, LATG
Introduction
Rabbits are a primary laboratory animal species contributing to immunology, cardiovascular, cancer, and other areas of research. Many rabbit procedures require the use of anesthesia, and inhalant anesthesia is often preferred because of the benefits of rapid onset, rapid recovery, and ease of dose titration. However, endotracheal (ET) intubation is challenging in rabbits compared to other species due to their deep, narrow oral cavity, large incisors, and large tongue which hinders laryngoscopic visualization. This has led to the description of numerous alternatives to using traditional ET tubes and traditional laryngoscopes to facilitate rabbit inhalant anesthesia.
Alternatives to ET tubes include facemasks and supraglottic airway devices. While facemasks are easy to use, they are not ideal for long procedures as they do not form a tight seal around the face or protect against airway obstruction, and animals may experience hypoxemia and hypercapnia.1 Supraglottic airway devices (SGADs) are inserted into the hypopharynx, forming a seal over the laryngeal inlet without entering the trachea. Whether using a human pediatric SGAD or one specifically designed for rabbits (e.g. v-gel®), they are generally easy and fast to place in rabbits6,13,15,16 but have a less tight seal16 and are more easily displaced3 than ET tubes. Furthermore, they can cause complications such as cyanosis11,18 and gastric tympany.1 Neither of these ET tube alternatives are sufficient for procedures such as thoracotomy that require positive pressure ventilation.
When rabbit intubation is needed, a blind technique5,8 is commonly employed rather than using a laryngoscope. Blind intubation may or may not be guided by capnography,14 or previous placement of an esophageal cannula7 or supraglottic airway device.9 While experienced staff may be proficient in blind intubation, it can take weeks of practice to master. Furthermore, as rabbits are obligate nasal breathers with their epiglottis positioned dorsal to the soft palate, lack of visualiza-
tion can lead to multiple attempts and potential tissue damage before successful intubation occurs. Therefore, visualization of the laryngeal inlet can be an important refinement, especially for novice staff.
Another method that avoids using a laryngoscope is retrograde intubation with a guidewire inserted via tracheotomy.4 While reliable, tracheotomy is invasive which increases risks of bleeding, infection, dehiscence, or stricture. For this reason, noninvasive visualization is preferable when possible especially for nonterminal procedures.
Others have achieved noninvasive visualization for rabbit intubation using modified laryngoscopes,2 modified video laryngoscopes,12 endoscopes,17 and fiber-optic laparoscopes.19 These tools are effective, but have some limitations. Modifying commercially available laryngoscope blades for safe use in rabbits requires labor and skill. Purchasing equipment such as video laryngoscopes, endoscopes, and laparoscopes may not be financially feasible for some institutions. Our department received quotes for video laryngoscopes from $2,550 - $9,610 which we considered cost inefficient for the frequency with which we perform rabbit intubation.
We wanted to find an economical solution for noninvasive visualization that would make rabbit intubation easy even for trainees. Here we describe the use of a commercially available ear canal camera (marketed as an earwax removal device) as a simple, inexpensive tool for visualization that greatly increased our historic average speed of rabbit intubation when used by novice staff.
Materials & Methods
A wireless ear canal camera (Bebird R1 Ultra Ear Camera; Figure 1) was purchased from Amazon.com for <$25 and used without modification. The product’s associated application was downloaded onto a cellular phone which was used as a monitor screen and for picture and video capture. The ear canal
Figure 1. Example of a commercially available wireless ear canal camera (Bebird R1 Ultra Ear Camera).
camera was cleaned using water and Kimwipes® by wiping external surfaces before and/or in between uses on each animal.
Two female New Zealand White (HsdHra:NZW SPF) rabbits from Inotiv (6 to 15 months of age and 3.00 to 3.55 kg) were used in intubation training sessions under the Department of Veterinary Resources (DVR) training protocol approved by the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. Rabbits were obtained under the training protocol and had only previously been used for teaching handling and restraint procedures. Intubation training sessions took place no more than once weekly in an animal facility surgical prep room. Rabbits were placed in sternal recumbency on an absorbent pad-covered circulating hot water blanket after sedation with a mixture of 22 mg/kg ketamine and 2.5 mg/kg xylazine given IM.
Cetacaine (benzocaine 14%, butamben 2%, tetracaine hydrochloride 2%) spray was applied to the back of the oropharynx. A properly calibrated precision vaporizer was used to deliver 1-3% isoflurane in 100% oxygen at a rate of 1-2 L/min via facemask as needed to keep animals at an appropriate anesthetic plane. When isoflurane was utilized, waste anesthetic gas was filtered by charcoal cannisters that were connected to the non-rebreathing anesthetic setup. Temperature, heart rate, respiration, and mucous membrane color were monitored at least every 15 minutes during sedation. After confirmed successful intubation, rabbits were immediately extubated. At the conclusion of each training session, rabbits were given 0.25 mg/kg atipamezole IM, monitored until fully recovered, and returned to their home cage.
7 DVR staff that self-reported as rabbit intubation novices participated in a single training session per trainee. An assistant held the rabbit’s head with the neck in slightly extended position. The unlubricated ear canal camera was inserted into the mouth and gently advanced until the epiglottis and vocal folds were visualized. A 2.5-3.5 mm ID Jorvet cuffed ET tube, lightly lubricated only at the cuff, was inserted into the mouth and gently advanced until visible on camera, then guided into the opening between the laryngeal folds with continuous visualization (Figure 2). Correct ET tube placement was directly visualized, then confirmed with a portable capnography monitor. If a trainee was unable to successfully intubate after 3 attempts, another trainee was allowed to attempt intubation if the oropharyngeal tissues were not significantly traumatized in the opinion of the experienced trainer. The maximal number of 9 attempts per animal per training session was never reached. If the oropharyngeal tissues were significantly traumatized, the animal would have been removed from the training session, recovered, and treated as recommended by a DVR veterinarian; however, no significant tissue trauma occurred in any session. Time to intubation using the ear canal camera (TTI-camera) was calculated per animal per session as the time in minutes from sedation administration to first confirmed successful ET tube placement. To assess whether use of the ear canal camera could improve speed of rabbit intubation in our staff’s hands, our department’s historic TTI (TTI-historic) was calculated in the same way based on previous rabbit anesthesia records (n=7). The method of intubation was not documented
Figure 2. QR codes linking to ear canal camera video capture during the intubation process.
Figure 3. Average TTI-historic (n=7) and average TTI-camera (n=6) ± standard deviation in minutes.
Figure 4. Ear canal camera image capture during the intubation process. A: Visualization prior to intubation; B: Missed intubation attempt; C: Proper ET tube placement; D: Mildly erythemic tissue following intubation.
on the previous records, but historically our staff typically used blind intubation technique. Average TTI-camera and average TTI-historic were compared by two-tailed unpaired Student’s t-test. A p-value of <0.05 was considered significant.
Results
Average TTI-camera (17.0 +/- 6.1 min) was faster than average TTI-historic (36.9 +/- 9.7 min) by >50% (p=0.001; Figure 3). Most trainees successfully intubated on their first or second try using the ear canal camera. Only 1 out of 7 trainees did not successfully intubate within the allotted 3 attempts.
The ear canal camera easily fit into the rabbit mouth and quality of visualization was excellent (Figure 2, Figure 4). There was 100% correlation between visual and capnographic confirmation of ET tube placement (data not shown).
Throughout each training session, tissue trauma as visualized with the ear canal camera was limited to mild erythema of the pharyngeal mucosa (Figure 4). Rabbits recovered uneventfully from each session and no subsequent complications occurred.
Discussion
Advantages of using an ear canal camera for rabbit intubation include cost efficiency and availability, simple as-is use, and quick intubation times. The excellent visualization allows for assessment of pharyngeal tissue trauma and for immediate verification of proper ET tube placement. Furthermore, it is beneficial for trainee learning and confidence. Most of our trainees felt confident about their ability to intubate a rabbit after a single training session. As there is somewhat of an initial learning curve with orienting the image on the screen and manipulating the ear canal camera in conjunction with the ET tube, we expect that all trainees would continue to improve with practice.
A limitation of ear canal cameras is that they are not highly durable in our experience. We needed 2 ear canal cameras to get through our 7 trainees due to inadvertent damage to the camera lens. An incident of using alcohol to clean excess ET tube lubricant from the camera lens resulted in poor visibility due to the lens melting. Judicious ET tube lubrication and careful reading of the manufacturer’s cleaning recommendations is important to avoid such accidents and may prolong the life of the camera. However, the low cost makes it quite feasible to have more than one camera on hand, or even to use them as single-use instruments.
Another potential limitation is that many ear canal cameras are designed to connect to a smart device via Wi-Fi, and working Wi-Fi may not be available in some facilities. Other ear canal cameras have USB cables negating the need for Wi-Fi, but nonetheless some institutions may discourage cell phones and other smart devices in the vivarium for security and biosecurity reasons. To overcome this limitation, additional investment may be needed such as purchasing a dedicated facility smart device or a video otoscope with a built-in screen (still <$100).
In conclusion, we recommend the use of an ear canal camera as a simple and economical way to make rabbit intubation a less daunting endeavor. Consider one with the power button far away from the camera end; otherwise, in our experience, your grip may accidentally turn it off while it’s in the mouth. Our staff have also used the ear canal camera successfully for chinchilla intubation, and we expect it would be equally useful for other similarly sized laboratory species.
Acknowledgements
Thank you to the CHOP DVR staff for participating in training sessions and taking great care of the training rabbits.
Andrea D. Moffitt, MLAS, DVM, DACLAM is the Senior Research Veterinarian at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia in Philadelphia, PA.
Kendra McDaid, BS, CVT, LATG is the Animal Research Training Specialist at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia in Philadelphia, PA.
REFERENCES
1. Bateman L, Ludders JW, Gleed RD, Erb HN. 2005. Comparison between facemask and laryngeal mask airway in rabbits during isoflurane anesthesia. Vet Anaesth and Analg 32(5):280–288. doi:10.1111/j.1467-2995.2005.00169.x
2. Brown PM. 1983. A laryngoscope for use in rabbits. Lab Animals 17(3):208–209. doi:10.1258/002367783781070641
3. Comolli J, Schnellbacher R, Beaufrere H, Blas-Machado U, Quandt J, Mayer J, Divers SJ. 2020. Comparison of endoscopic endotracheal intubation and the v-gel supraglottic airway device for spontaneously ventilating New Zealand white rabbits undergoing ovariohysterectomy. Vet Rec 187(10):e84–e84. doi:10.1136/vr.105746
4. Corleta O, Habazettl H, Kreimeier U, Vollmar B. 2008. Modified retrograde orotracheal intubation technique for airway access in rabbits. Eur Surg Res 24(2):129–132. doi:10.1159/000129198
5. DeValle JMS. 2009. Successful management of rabbit anesthesia through the use of nasotracheal intubation. J Am Assoc Lab Anim Sci 48(2):166–170.
6. Engbers S, Larkin A, Rousset N, Prebble M, Jonnalagadda M, Knight CG, Pang DSJ. 2017. Comparison of a supraglottic airway device (v-gel®) with blind orotracheal intubation in rabbits. Front Vet Sci 4:49. doi:10.3389/fvets.2017.00049
7. Falcão SC, Pereira Junior JR, Coelho AR de B. 2011. Technique of blind tracheal intubation in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculi) supported by previous maneuver of esophageal cannulization. Acta Cir Bras 26:352–356. doi:10.1590/S010286502011000500005
8. Fick TE, Schalm SW. 1987. A simple technique for endotracheal intubation in rabbits. Lab Anim 21(3):265–266. doi:10.1258/002367787781268837
9. Fusco A, Douglas H, Barba A, Hopster K, Stefanovski D, Sinder B, Cahill PJ, Snyder B, Schaer TP. 2021. V-Gel® guided endotracheal intubation in rabbits. Front Vet Sci 8:684624. doi:10.3389/fvets.2021.684624
10. Irazuzta J, Hopkins J, Gunnoe P, Brittain E. 1997. Simple method of multipurpose airway access through percutaneous tracheostomy in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Lab Anim Sci 47(4):411–413.
11. Kazakos GM, Anagnostou T, Savvas I, Raptopoulos D, Psalla D, Kazakou IM. 2007. Use of the laryngeal mask airway in rabbits: Placement and efficacy. Lab Anim 36(4):29–34. doi:10.1038/ laban0407-29
12. Kim Y, Jeon HY, Yang I, Kim JH, Chung JH, Ju J-H, Kim G, Park JW, Oh SY, Seong JK, Oh SH, Joo Y-S. 2022. Endotracheal intubation in rabbits using a video laryngoscope with a modified blade. Lab Anim Res 38(1):24. doi:10.1186/s42826-02200130-7
13. Lambertini C, Grandis A, De Silva M, Cassano IA, Checcacci Carboni S, Romagnoli N. 2023. The Spritztube: A new device for the extraglottic intubation of rabbits. Animals (Basel) 13(1):156. doi:10.3390/ani13010156
14. Lee LY, Lee D, Ryu H, Han JH, Ko J, Tyler JW. 2019. Capnography-guided endotracheal intubation as an alternative to existing intubation methods in rabbits. J Am Assoc Lab Anim Sci 58(2):240–245. doi:10.30802/AALAS-JAALAS-17-000150
15. Richardson D. 2015. A comparison of the v-gel® supraglottic airway device and non-cuffed endotracheal tube in the
time to first capnograph trace during anaesthetic induction in rabbits. The Veterinary Nurse 6(7):426–432. doi:10.12968/ vetn.2015.6.7.426
16. Smith JC, Robertson LD, Auhll A, March TJ, Derring C, Bolon B. 2004. Endotracheal tubes versus laryngeal mask airways in rabbit inhalation anesthesia: Ease of use and waste gas emissions. J Am Assoc Lab Anim Sci 43(4):22–25.
17. Tran HS, Puc MM, Tran J-LV, Del Rossi AJ, Hewitt CW. 2001. A method of endoscopic endotracheal intubation in rabbits. Lab Anim 35(3):249–252. doi:10.1258/0023677011911705
18. Uzun M, Kiraz HA, Ovali MA, Sahin H, Erbas M, Toman H. 2015. The investigation of airway management capacity of v-gel and cobra-PLA in anaesthetised rabbits. Acta Cir Bras 30:80–86. doi:10.1590/S0102-86502015001000011
19. Worthley SG, Roque M, Helft G, Soundararajan K, Siddiqui M, Reis ED. 2000. Rapid oral endotracheal intubation with a fibre-optic scope in rabbits: A simple and reliable technique. Lab Anim 34(2):199–201. doi:10.1258/002367700780457554
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INSIDE the IACUC
This installment of “Inside the IACUC” examines recent discussions on revising the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (the Guide), specifically on how IACUCs use the Guide.
One of this column’s co-editors, Dr. Stacy Pritt, was invited to speak on this topic as part of a twoday workshop in April organized by the National Academies entitled “Future Topical Updates to the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.” The resulting article in this issue’s column is a summary of her presentation, with additional insights. Prior to publication, Dr. Pritt obtained permission from the National Academies to write about her presentation.
Everyone within the greater laboratory animal science community has a stake in revising the Guide, and the “Inside the IACUC” column co-editors encourage you to keep informed and participate in the project, which may be ongoing for years to come. It is important that changes to the next Guide’s format, standards, recommendations, and requirements be thoughtfully considered so the next iteration can continue to support the laboratory animal science community in its quest to ensure animal welfare, achieve excellent research results, and further advance human and animal health as well as our knowledge of the environment. Your contribution to this effort, therefore, is critical to ensure that any new resulting publication is current, accurate, and can stand the test of time until the next revision takes place.
Information about the Workshop that took place in April can be found online at: Future Topical Updates to the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals-A Workshop | National Academies
Information about Standing Committee for the Care and Use of Animals in Research, which is currently leading the effort for revising the Guide, along with information about how to send comments to the Committee about revising the Guide, can be found at: Standing Committee for the Care and Use of Animals in Research | National Academies
Corresponding contact: spritt@tamus.edu
Stacy Pritt, DVM, MS, MBA, CPIA, CHRC, DACAW is the Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief Research Compliance Officer, Texas A&M University System.
F. Claire Hankenson, DVM, MS, DACLAM, is the Associate Vice Provost for Research and Attending Veterinarian and Executive Director, University Laboratory Animal Resources, at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA.
Revising the Current Edition of the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals
Long considered a core reference document for the laboratory animal community, the current version of the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (the Guide) was published in 2011.3 Primarily used as guidance for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW) and one of the three primary standards for accreditation by AAALAC, International, adherence to the recommendations and requirements it contains is also expected by several other research funding agencies and foundations. Many laboratory animal science professionals have spent their entire career managing animal facilities and research oversight operations through the lens of the Guide.
As laboratory animal science professionals know, our community seeks constant growth and improvement when it comes to laboratory animal care and welfare, so our knowledge base is not static. Since the Guide’s first publication in 1963 (then known as the Guide for Laboratory Animal Facilities and Care), (for history please see, AALAS – Regulation of Animal Care and Use,1) it has been updated multiple times to capture the advancements in the field and put forward new standards based on those advancements. As the current version closes in on 15 years in print, many have realized that this very valued publication needs updating to reflect the tremendous progress and innovation that has occurred within laboratory animal science since the current version’s authors started writing it. Indeed, with any potential new version still being several years in the future, we will soon have the largest timespan between revisions that has been previously seen with the Guide (Preface - Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, 1996 version2) and
(Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, 2011 version3).
The group responsible for revising the Guide is the National Academies. Work started on this project several years ago and recently culminated in a two-day virtual workshop entitled “Future Topical Updates to the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.” Over the course of two days, many experts spoke about the strengths and weaknesses of the 8th edition of the Guide and proposed several ideas for how to revise it in a manner that best supports researchers, institutions, and the laboratory animal science community. I was fortunate to be invited to speak about the use of the Guide by IACUCs and was very happy to tackle this critically important topic.
How IACUCs use the Guide
My first step in building the content for my Workshop presentation was to query colleagues about how they use the Guide to ensure that I incorporated a good mix of opinions reflecting the needs of different institution types. After conferring with dozens of individuals, including those from the Texas Society for Biomedical Research (RSBP), the Americans for Medical Progress (AMP), and the Texas A&M University System, I identified six main tenets for the use of the Guide by IACUCs:
• Guidance for IACUC operations, specifically for conducting facility inspections and performance reviews and writing reports to the Institutional Official (IO).
• Guidance and reference source for questions asked within animal care and use protocols.
• Justification and content for IACUC policies.
• Content for IACUC members and staff training.
• Support in the review of non-compliance.
• Use as a “regulatory document,” especially given how the Guide is interpreted by AAALAC, International and NIH OLAW.
Specific examples of IACUC policy areas that are heavily informed and influenced by the Guide include:
• Animal housing specifications and requirements,
• Collaborations between institutions,
• Facility operations and maintenance, and the
• Use of non-pharmaceutical grade compounds in research.
These areas of Guide applicability were also mentioned by several other workshop speakers. However, the characterization of the Guide as a “regulatory document” by many IACUC professionals carries a significant implication, indicating that IACUCs have moved from considering the Guide as guidance that can be appropriately deviated from or support performance standards that achieve goals outlined in the Guide, to something that is immutable and must be followed as written. Given this latter viewpoint, it was not a big leap to assume that IACUC professionals would want more details in a revised Guide, a sentiment that has been expressed to me by multiple colleagues.
The Need for Additional Clarity
Because the focus of the Workshop was on revising the Guide, I did ask my colleagues for areas that they felt should be clarified in a new version. The most common areas of clarity needed, reflecting an IACUC perspective, included:
• Expand the emphasis on the role of the IO within a laboratory animal program. The current version of the Guide only dedicates one paragraph to this crucial role (page 13).3 More information could be provided about the IO’s role, and specifically how the IO should be held accountable for program oversight.
• Clarify the use of non-pharmaceutical grade compounds. As currently written, it can be difficult for IACUCs and laboratory animal veterinarians to determine exactly how and when non-pharmaceutical grade compounds should be used for animal research studies.
• Encourage, more strongly, the use of well-designed pilot studies. IACUC professionals routinely discuss how the use of appropriately designed pilot studies can inform researchers about humane endpoints, animal numbers, procedure refinements, and other study components that can lead to better research outcomes and improved animal welfare. Pilot studies are mentioned within the Guide, but within a limited scope (pages 26, 28).3 More information on pilot study design and an improved emphasis on their value is desired.
• Define the term prolonged restraint. The term “prolonged restraint” appears only once in the Guide (page 29).3 Instead of defining the term, examples of and alternatives to pro-
longed restraint are provided. Within the IACUC community, this has resulted in institutions copying one another in their definitions and policies for prolonged restraint with no substantial data nor expectations from the Guide. The emphasis of prolonged restraint could also be broadened to include the consideration of rodent species and rabbits.
• Separate the food and fluid regulation discussions. Within the Guide, the discussions on food and fluid regulation are closely intertwined when these activities are actually typically separate and serve distinctly different research purposes. Similar to the prolonged restraint topic, more consideration could be given to food and fluid regulation in rats and mice.
• Update the food storage information. Manufacturers of laboratory animal diets have done a good job over the years of demonstrating, documenting, and disseminating information about how a wide variety of environmental conditions do not adversely impact the quality of the diets due to advancements in diet formulation and packaging. Subsequently, the environmental conditions for food storage within the Guide appear to be too narrow when compared to data from the diet manufacturers. IACUCs are currently navigating out-of-date food storage guidelines found in the Guide when it comes to policy development, facility inspections, researcher expectations, and AAALAC, International site visits.
Must, Should, and May
Almost every colleague I interacted with while preparing the Workshop presentation mentioned the difficulties with the terms “must,” “should,” and “may” as found within the Guide (page 8) 3 Many other presenters during the Workshop expressed the exact same feelings.
Perhaps the hardest component of functioning within this three-word framework is the continual discussion of what is an exception or deviation to “musts,” “shoulds,” and “mays,” and when exceptions or deviations acceptable or not, given the guidance from NIH OLAW and AAALAC, International, along with IACUC member opinions. For example, there are “musts” within the Guide with no corresponding ability for an exception or deviation, whereas various “musts” exist where exceptions or deviations that can be wholly acceptable depending on certain situations or research requirements.
At the highest level, those involved with crafting a revised Guide will need to decide if they want to abandon the “must,” “should,” and “may” framework. If the framework is retained, then there needs to be clarity on how “musts” with no available exceptions compare to “musts” with the potential of exceptions. The word “should” infers that there is an expectation of doing something because it is the correct thing to do, or that it is an obligation. In which case, situational clarity is needed to understand when implementing “should” statements is the correct thing to do, and the same would hold true with the “may” statements. Finally, other synonymous words found throughout the Guide, such as “recommend”, need to be avoided.
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AALAS CONNECTION
What qualifies someone to sit for the CMAR exams?(What defines someone as a manager regarding CMAR certification)
By Claude J Arnett, CMAR, RLATG (C.J.)
As a member of the National AALAS Certified Manager of Animal Resources (CMAR) committee, a question that the committee often faces is, what management experience qualifies someone to sit for the CMAR exams? The best answer can be found in the CMAR handbook, a comprehensive guide available online on the National AALAS website at (https:// www.aalas.org/certification/management-certification/eligibility-requirements). This handbook not only provides information about qualifications but also offers a wealth of information about the CMAR program, cost, application and exam scheduling, AR reference list, exam results, CMAR recertification, and most importantly, a detailed breakdown of the exam content. This resource guides you in understanding the qualifications and experience required for the CMAR exams, making you feel guided and informed.
The eligibility requirements section provides information about the requirements for direct animal experience and lab animal management experience. I want to focus on the latter in this article.
The fastest way to determine if you have lab animal management experience is to consider the following question: When things in the animal facility go wrong, are you the person who is held responsible, even for staff who may have created the situation? Another clear identifier for management experience is whether you have direct reports. Having staff that you hire, discipline, fire, evaluate, direct, manage timecards or time off requests, and sign off on approvals for their development is a clear indicator you are a manager. If you perform some of these tasks but not all the time, and are not held fully responsible for those actions, you are likely not a manager. This validation of your current roles can make you feel more confident in your potential eligibility for the CMAR exams.
The CMAR Work Experience Verification Form (part of the CMAR application) is another indicator of what experience a CMAR candidate should have. The question, “Is/Was this a managerial position, and how many direct reports?” is a good starting point. Below this question is a comprehensive list of checkboxes that further identify the tasks performed as normal parts of that role. The more boxes that are checked, the more likely this management role will qualify. Understand that if these tasks are performed occasionally or not as part of the regular responsibilities of that position, then it is not likely a management role. CMAR is intended for those who manage more than one aspect of lab animal operations. For example, a general accountant in a lab animal department would not qualify; however, if the role was the head accountant in a lab animal department who had previous
experience with direct animal work, then they would likely be eligible to obtain the CMAR supporting experience certification.
Another good example of a role that does not support CMAR experience is that of a trainer. A trainer is responsible for teaching staff how and why things are done the way they are. In the end, the trainer is not the person responsible for the trained staff member (that falls to the manager of those staff). A trainer functions more as a mentor than a manager from the committee’s point of view. If the trainer were a manager, they would be titled a manager, not a trainer. This clarification can help you understand the specific roles that contribute to CMAR experience, making you more informed and prepared.
Another position that is sometimes misunderstood is that of a colony manager. A colony manager tends to manage many aspects of animals but not the animal program. Remember what CMAR stands for: Certified Manager of Animal Resources (not just the animals but all aspects of the animal program). A colony manager likely only performs some tasks of managing a complete animal program. If the colony manager has direct reports, that indicates a manager, but if there are no direct reports, it is not likely a CMAR candidate.
The AALAS CMAR Committee wants candidates to understand the reasoning behind why experience in lab animal management is so critical. As a person develops in lab animal management, many things are learned. Some things a manager will know by heart: what temperature is normal for an animal facility, how much floor space is required for housing mice, who do you call if a sick animal is found, where do you find the emergency plan, and other things are hard learned from experience. The exam questions are designed to reflect practical experience in the field and reflect issues learned by performing the duties and role of a manager. With that knowledge, the likelihood of passing the exams is greatly increased. The CMAR committee wants to see candidates pass the exams, but candidates must demonstrate knowledge and understanding of lab animal management to gain certification.
In summary, if you have direct reports and the time required to perform that role, you are likely qualified to sit for the exams. If you do not have direct reports, then a little more effort is going to be required, and a clear justification of what roles of management you perform regularly on a daily basis. Filling in for an absent supervisor who is on vacation is not going to get you there. Don’t push the limit. If you exaggerate your qualifications, you will likely not pass the exams. With experience and time, you will better understand what management is and how that knowledge makes you eligible for the CMAR exam.
GLAS Program: Facts and Numbers
In April 2024, the Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) met to review 23 GLAS grant applications that were submitted in this grant cycle. The committee scores proposals based on criteria that are publicly available on the GLAS web page and elaborated in the GLAS online tutorial.
The GLAS program funding rate was 26% this year, and 6 GLAS grants were awarded totaling $127,342. Over the last 5 years, the overall funding rate has been 19%, averaging $99,160 in funds awarded, with an average of 26 applications submitted each year.
The mission of the Grants for Laboratory Animal Science program (GLAS) is to enhance scientific knowledge in laboratory animal health and welfare through research and to promote collaborative efforts by the AALAS membership within the broader scientific community. Since the first grants were awarded in 2007, the GLAS program has awarded 102 grants totaling $1,979,619. As a result of the GLAS program, a total of 446 cited presentations, publications, and posters stemming from GLAS-sponsored projects have been produced and are listed on the AALAS website.
The GLAS program provides two types of one-year re-
search grants: the standard grant, of up to $50,000 for studies with a sound hypothesis and preliminary data; and the small grant, for up to $7,500 for innovative or pilot studies where pilot data may not be available.
The GLAS program opens again for applications on December 1, 2024. Details about the GLAS program may be viewed at www.aalas.org/glas If you have a proposal to improve laboratory animal health and welfare in research, we hope you will submit your idea in a GLAS application!
The Educational Resources Committee (ERC) is charged with providing education and training in laboratory animal science. One of their main tasks is to review and update the AALAS Training Manuals for the ALAT, LAT, and LATG. This process is necessary to provide the most upto-date training resources that reflect the evolving professional roles of our members.
On May 13-14, the ERC held their Midyear Meeting in Memphis. Over the 2-day meeting, the committee began their comprehensive review of the ALAT manual. This project will continue throughout 2024 and result in the publication of a new manual in 2025. Stay tuned for future updates!
Metropolitan NY Branch of AALAS (MNYBAALAS) Holds Annual Awards Reception Dinner
The 2024 Metropolitan NY Branch of AALAS (MNYBAALAS) held their Annual Awards Reception Dinner at the Ravel Hotel in Long Island City on April 26, 2024. The event was a resounding success, thanks to the meticulous and thoughtful curation by Caitlyn Gallagher and Mariel Nigro. Their dedicated efforts ensured that every aspect of the event, from the ambiance to the program and even the number of desserts, resonated with elegance and meaning.
I would also like to extend my deepest gratitude to my esteemed colleagues, Joanne DeStefano, Vivian Carbonell, and Stephanie Pistilli, who comprise the Awards Committee Team. Their unwavering dedication was instrumental in making this event possible. Together, we worked tirelessly, fielding late-night texts, sorting through endless emails, carefully reviewing all nomination letters, facilitating the voting
process, and writing award speeches. As the Awards Chair, I am immensely proud of our team’s collective efforts, and I am grateful for their exceptional contributions, which played a pivotal role in the success of the evening.
Together, the MNYBAALAS community celebrated outstanding achievements within our community and highlighted the exceptional contributions of our award winners. Each recipient embodied the spirit of excellence and dedication that defines our organization. Their commitment and passion have elevated our community, setting a remarkable standard for the future of Lab Animal Science.
The MNYBAALAS Community extends heartfelt congratulations once again to all the deserving award winners. We look forward to continuing this tradition of celebrating excellence and camaraderie in the years to come.
This year’s award winners are:
ALAT of the Year Award
Sponsored by W.F Fisher and Son in memory of John Sabine Jr.
Recipient: Frantz Loiseau - Weil Cornell Medicine
In the photo: Colin Sabine from W.F. Fisher and Son and Frantz Loiseau
LAT of the Year Award
Sponsored by Transnetyx
Recipient: Reginaldo Ross - Columbia University
In the photo: Vivian Carbonell and Reginaldo Ross
LATg of the Year Award
Sponsored by ARES Scientific
Recipient: Cameron Slaughter - The Rockefeller University
In the photo: Vivian Carbonell and Cameron Slaughter
Innovation of the Year Award
Sponsored by Tecniplast USA
Recipient: Anthony “Tony” Lee Williams - Columbia University
In the photo: Gorky Estrella from Tecniplast USA and Anthony Lee Williams
The Bio-Serv Enhancement of Animal Welfare Award
Sponsored by Bio-Serv
Recipient: Jennifer Goodwin - NYU Washington Square
In the photo: Dr. Karen Froberg of Bio-Serv and Jennifer Goodwin
The Allentown Manager of the Year Award
Sponsored by Allentown Inc.
Recipient: Joseph Ordile - Pfizer
In the photo: Salvatore Lucchesi from Allenton Inc. and Joseph Ordile
The Dr. Fred Quimby Veterinarian of the Year Award
Recipient: Dr. Christopher Cheleuitte-Nieves - Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
In the photo: Joanne DeStefano and Dr. Cheleuitte-Nieves
The Caroline Murray Training and Education Award - In memory of Caroline Murray
In the photo: Stephanie Pistilli and Laura Corredor
Recipient: Blair Liberman - NYU Washington Square
In the photo: Blair Liberman
Lifetime Achievement Award
Recipient: Carl Newman, former president of BUXTON.
Commemoration Tribute
Sponsored by Tecniplast USA
Vendor of the Year Award
Recipient: Karena Thek from Bio-Serv In the photo: Karena Thek
Recipient: Natalia Prado receives the award in loving memory of her father, Jose Oviedo - NYU Langone Health
In the photo: Gorky Estrella from Tecniplast USA, Mark Raymond from NYU Langone Health, and Natalia Prado (Jose Oviedo’s daughter)
AALAS Leadership Summit 2024
In late June, the annual Leadership Summit took place at the AALAS National Office in Memphis. Current standing committee and advisory council Chairs and Vice Chairs worked with the BOT and staff liaisons to evaluate the strategic plan and develop committee tasks. Working together, the goals, objectives, and tasks comprise the strategic plan, referred to as the GOaTs were set for the upcoming year.
In addition, the leadership had the opportunity to attend a training session with Annie Storey (Executive Director of the Illinois Section of the American Water Works Association). She provided the group excellent insight into volunteer leadership with a focus on the power of delegation.
Metro New York AALAS Aseptic Surgery Workshop
By Kleber Ojeda, LAT
For our fourth event of the 2024 calendar year, Metro NY collaborated with Dr. Wendy O Williams, DVM, DACLAM to host a workshop focused on practical exercises for setting up aseptic surgery procedures. This session aimed to equip participants with the foundational knowledge and skills to prepare sterile surgical fields. Through PowerPoint presentations, demonstrations, and hands-on exercises, attendees learned the principles and strategies essential for aseptic techniques. Using inanimate models to simulate rodent surgical
patients, participants practiced setting up sterile surgical fields, reinforcing theoretical concepts with practical application. This comprehensive workshop provided a valuable introduction to the skills necessary for assisting surgeons in sterile procedure preparation.
Following the workshop, Metro NY held an informative session led by Pam Straeter, National AALAS Past President. Pam’s presentation, titled “What Got You Here, May Get You There: Pathway to AALAS Presidency,” provided an insightful look into the journey leading to the role of AALAS presidency. Pam shared her personal experiences, discussing whether such leadership paths are shaped by strategy or happenstance, offering attendees an informative and first-person perspective of what it takes to acquire and excel in such a role.
District Meetings 2024
Iowa Branch Hosts District 6 Meeting
The dedicated team at Iowa Branch AALAS hosted the District 6 meeting in Des Moines, IA from June 5th to 7th. Three days to commemorate our advancements in research, with a focus on nurturing the well-being of our technicians.
Our presentations included a Communication for Connection Leadership training; Creating Your Wild Success; Current/Ongoing Challenges to Biomedical Research; Tips for Successful Anesthetic and Analgesic Techniques in Laboratory Animals, and an Animal Enrichment Workshop.
We had the privilege of hosting Keynote Speaker, Dr. Temple Grandin, whose expertise in large animal behavior enriched our understanding in profound ways. National AALAS President, Dr. Robert Quinn, was in attendance to motivate us that “Yes, you CAN be AALAS President!”
Special thanks to all our vendors who not only set up an extensive vendor hall and sponsored portions of our program, but also participated in a vendor panel for attendees to learn and ask questions about the current state of lab animal advancements.
The opportunity to connect and collaborate with fellow laboratory animal professionals was invaluable, and we hope interactions forged will inspire meaningful advancements in our field. See everyone at National AALAS in November!
Submitted By Emily Meyering, RVT, RLATG
District 8 Meeting Summary
By Kati Marshall, CMAR, RLATG, District 8 Trustee
Several branches joined together to make the 2024 District 8 meeting a success. Held April 22-24 in Seattle talks were offered that provided AALAS CEUs, as well as RACE CEs for Veterinary Technicians and Veterinarians. The event started off with a taco-bar social event held in the Vendor Hall, and continued over the next two days with workshops, facility tours, and talks ranging in topic from “A Dialogue with USDA Animal Care” to “Dropping the Mic(e) on Corncob Bedding”. Several vendors presented short talks, including representatives from Lab Diet, Newco, Charles River, Pharmacal, and many more.
Over 200 attendees made for a lively meeting. The Keynote Speaker, Dr. Jeff Meldrum (Idaho State University) presented his talk on “Where Does an 800-lb Gorilla Eat Its Lunch? Sasquatch Behavioral Ecology”. While an unusual topic for our industry, the evolutionary biology and insight on how species develop their ranging locations made it quite interesting. Our AALAS Vice-President, Dr. James Macy, shared insight from the AALAS National Survey, and Dr. Marc Hullin (former AALAS president) spoke on “Positive Intelligence (PQ) – A Change Management Tool”, both during the lunchtime Special Topic Lectures.
Drs. Drew Martin, Melissa Burg, and Marc Hulin, along with former D8 Trustee Amber Carte, and current Trustee, Kati Marshall hosted the Emergent Leadership Forum – a great workshop for those wanting to learn more about how National AALAS functions and how to get more involved.
There were fun offerings as well! A visit to the Seattle Aquarium, a tour of Seattle’s Underground Tunnels, a Silent Auction, and a Scavenger Hunt (thank you vendors!!!) were entertaining – and not just for the participants.
The Planning Committee must have offered one heck of a bribe to Mother Nature, as Seattle’s typical rainy cold Spring weather held off until the last day of the meeting.
Ron Orta Humanitarian Award
The D8 Awards Committee would like to congratulate Dante D’India of Seattle Children’s Research Institute for being the recipient of the 2024 Ron Orta Humanitarian Award. We’d also like to thank to La’Akea Siverts from Allentown who was on hand to present the award.
Thanks to all the attendees, Speakers, Vendors, Planning Committee, and Support Staff for making the 2024 meeting a success! These meetings can only happen with the efforts of volunteers…please consider helping with the next meeting held in your region.
AALAS FOUNDATION NEWS AALAS FOUNDATION NEWS
AALAS Foundation Honors Memory of Bill & Millicent Gay - Conference Room Dedication
The AALAS Foundation would like to announce that an AALAS conference room has been named on behalf of the late William “Bill” and Millicent’ Gay thanks to their extraordinary generosity.
We express our deepest gratitude to William “Bill” and Millicent Gay for their thoughtful bequest to the AALAS Foundation. Their generous gift in their will not only supports our mission but also creates a timeless legacy within our organization.
The conference room naming ceremony was held at the AALAS headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee, on Friday, June 21, 2024. Members of the AALAS Foundation Board of Di-
rectors, and AALAS Executive Committee, gathered for the unveiling of the new conference room signage and dedication ceremony.
The William “Bill” and Millicent Gay conference room stands as a symbol of collaboration, innovation, and meaningful dialogue. It serves as a space where our staff, Board of Directors, leadership teams, and volunteers come together to strategize the development of our public outreach and advocacy programs, resources, organizational policies, and other important initiatives central to our mission. Their memory will forever be cherished within the walls of this special space.
Dr. William (Bill) Gay left an indelible mark on AALAS, serving as National President in 1968 and National Capital Area Branch President in 1962. Throughout his illustrious career, he made significant contributions to the field of laboratory animal science.
As a diplomate of the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine, Dr. Gay directed the National Institutes of Health Division of Research Resources Animal Resources Program until his retirement in 1988. His journey with the NIH began in the Division of Research Services’ Laboratory Aids Branch, where he eventually became chief of the Animal Hospital Section in 1995. Over the years, Dr. Gay held various key positions within the NIH, including acting associate director of the National Institute of General Medical Sciences and associate director of extramural programs for the NIH National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases.
Notably, Dr. Gay played a pivotal role in the early stages of NIAID’s HIV/AIDS research program, overseeing its evolution and growth. He chaired the Animal Care Panel on Ethical Considerations in the Care & Use of Laboratory Animals, which led to the preparation of the NIH Guide in 1963. His dedication and leadership were recognized with the AALAS Griffin Award in 1971 and a prestigious honor from the NIH in 1975.
A staunch advocate for the humane care and use of animals in research, testing, and teaching, Dr. Gay was admired as a colleague, mentor, and friend within the laboratory animal science community.
For more about Dr. Gay’s remarkable journey, visit the AALAS Foundation’s virtual Memorial Wall of Honor.
Have you considered leaving the AALAS Foundation a gift in your will? Visit our Planned Giving program guide for information on how you might join the AALAS Foundation Legacy Society and create a lasting and impactful legacy.
AALAS Foundation Announces “Celebrate the Mouse Biomedical Research” Student Video Essay Contest Winners!
Since 2017, the AALAS Foundation has conducted its annual “Celebrate the Mouse Biomedical Research” video essay contest for middle and high school students in the USA. The students are asked to create a five minute or less video that explains how they, a family member, friend, or pet have benefited from research with a mouse.
Each year we are amazed at the level of creativity and knowledge displayed in the students’ video essay entries, and the 2023 entries were no exception.
The deadline to enter the 2023 contest was January 31, 2024, and winners in each category (5th-8th grade and 9th-12th grade) were selected by the AALAS Foundation Technology Committee in March. Student videos were also posted on the AALAS Foundation’s YouTube channel, and the public was invited to vote for a “Fan Favorite” in each category.
The contest generated entries from students in the states of Alabama, California, Iowa, North Carolina, Texas, and Wisconsin.
The 2023 contest winners are listed below:
9th – 12th Grade Category Winners
1st Place Winner – Alexander Todd, Pfafftown, NC – $500, trophy & certificate
3rd Place Winner – Amelia DeLano, Alabaster, AL - $100, trophy & certificate
Fan Favorite Award – Charlotte Miller, Pfafftown, NC - $100, trophy & certificate
The Ronald Regan High School in Pfafftown, NC also received a $500 award because one of its students was 1st place winner in the 9th-12th grade category.
Scan the QR Code below to view all 9th-12th grade category entries:
5th – 8th Grade Category Winners
1st Place Winner – Bianca Abigail Shipley – San Antonio, TX - $500, trophy & certificate
2nd Place Winner – Rosaura Englehart – San Antonio, TX$250, trophy & certificate
3rd Place Winner – Ciara Ward – Oakland, IA - $100, trophy & certificate
Fan Favorite Award – Eisley Mercado – Moreno Valley, CA$100, trophy & certificate
The Omar Bradley Middle School in San Antonio, TX also received a $500 award because one of its students was 1st place winner in the 5th-8th grade category.
Scan the QR Code below to view all 5th-8th grade category entries:
AALAS Foundation Board Chair, Molly Romick presented prizes to the student winners in North Carolina. AALAS member, Dana Skillman represented the AALAS Foundation and presented the prize to the student winner in Alabaster, Alabama. AALAS member, Luis Zorrilla represented the AALAS Foundation and presented prizes to student winners in San Antonio, Texas. AALAS member Emily Meyering represented the AALAS Foundation and presented prizes to the student winners in Oakland, Iowa, and AALAS member Christian Stoffers represented the AALAS Foundation and presented prizes to the student winners in Riverside, California.
All contestants who entered the contest received a “Medical Discoveries in Biomedical Research” poster, a “Careers in Biomedical Research brochure, a “mood” pencil, and a “Celebrate the Mouse” lapel pin.
Many thanks go out to the AALAS Foundation’s Technology committee members who watched and judged all the video entries. The committee comprised of Lucy Kennedy, Committee Chair, AALAS Foundation Board member Lindsay Holmes, and AALAS members Mona Jaffari, Karrie Southwell, and Chang-Ning-Liu.
This year’s contest is currently set to begin accepting entries on September 1st, 2024. The deadline for submitting entries into the 2024 contest is January 31, 2025. Contact foundation@aalas.org for more information.
AALAS COMMUNITY EXCHANGE AALAS COMMUNITY EXCHANGE AALAS COMMUNITY EXCHANGE AALAS
Network. Exchange. Learn. ACE community.aalas.org
Enter a place where AALAS members can exchange knowledge, curate content, incubate ideas, and network with other professionals. Your AALAS membership provides access to ACE, the AALAS Community Exchange. Log in today!
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WE’ M T YA THERE!
75TH AALAS NATIONAL MEETING NOVEMBER 3 - 7, 2024
Join us for the 75th AALAS National Meeting in Nashville, Tennessee. Each fall since 1950, the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science has held its annual National Meeting. During the five days of the meeting, members and nonmembers come together to enoy the workshops, lectures, poster sessions, and exhibits. The program is designed to have topics relevant to the entire membership. Exhibitors have an opportunity to interact with AALAS members from the academic community, research institutions, government organizations, and commerical companies.
The AALAS National Meeting is the largest gathering in the world of professionals concerned with the production, care, and use of laboratory animals.
Automation
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Note: System requires a tunnel washer, not shown above.
