IHMS Testing Program

Testing frequency, methodology, and sample numbers are based on an assesment of biosecurity and risk level that varies depending on whether the location uses static, individually ventilated caging (IVC), or is isolator-raised. IVC's are more biosecure, but pose some diagnostic challenges, which Taconic addresses through additional testing elements. Taconic has designed a multifaceted testing program in which the highest concern agents are screened using different methodologies to increase the likelihood of accurate and rapid detection. 

International Health Monitoring System™

Core testing programOpportunist screeningIVC PCR testingIVC exhaust air duct testingIsolator microbial monitoringBacteria 16S rRNA gene screening

Predominantly sentinel-based health testing comprised of virus detection, full bacteriology, and parasitology. Core testing occurs in ALL Taconic production locations. Agents are typically tested quarterly in gnotobiotic isolators (GF/DF standards) and IVC locations (OF colonies) or monthly (static cage MPF colonies), but this varies by agent.

Click for full details on test method and frequency.

Monthly culture-based screening to detect non-tolerated opportunists at the  OF standard (aerobic culture).

Click for full details on agents tested and test methods.

Additional cage level testing of line animals via PCR in locations using IVC housing. This added screening uses a different test methodology from the core testing program to enhance the overall detectability of key agents and is designed to address the challenge of animal health monitoring in IVCs.

Click for full details on agents tested and frequency.

Screening of the exhaust air from IVC cages to provide a snapshot of all cages on a rack. This method is particularly well suited to detection of certain agents.

Click for full details on agents tested and frequency.

Culture-based screening to detect bacterial and fungal contamination of gnotobiotic isolators (aerobic and anaerobic culture).

Click for full details on test method and frequency.

16S PCR screening in Germ Free isolators to detect bacterial rRNA genes. Testing is performed on pooled fecal samples from each isolator on a monthly basis.
See below for more details

The core testing program is comprised of virus detection, full bacteriology, and parasitology. This testing predominantly uses sentinels, but in locations with immunodeficient animals, line animals may be used for the diagnostic portion of health monitoring (microbiology, molecular biology, and parasitology), with sentinels used for the serological portion. For all barrier housing units with static caging: Quarterly, Semiannual and Annual core panels test a minimum of 10 animals, and Monthly core panels test a minimum of 5 animals. For housing units with IVCs: Quarterly, Semiannual and Annual core panels test 1 animal per housing rack side. Additional cage level PCR and exhaust air duct (EAD) testing is performed quarterly in IVC locations. In IVC locations, the three test programs (core testing, IVC PCR and exhaust air duct testing) rotate such that testing for one of the three program elements occurs each month.

AgentsSpecies TestedTest MethodMPF™ Static Cage FrequencyRF, OF Individually Ventilated Cage FrequencyGF/DF Frequency

Viruses

Kilham Rat Virus (KRV)RMFIMonthlyQuarterlyQuarterly
Minute Virus of Mice (MVM)MMFIMonthlyQuarterlyQuarterly
Mouse Encephalomyelitis Virus (GDVII)/ Rat Theilovirus (RTV)M, RMFIMonthlyQuarterlyQuarterly
Mouse Hepatitis Virus (MHV)MMFIMonthlyQuarterlyQuarterly
Murine Norovirus (MNV)MMFIMonthlyQuarterlyQuarterly
Mouse Parvovirus (MPV)MMFIMonthlyQuarterlyQuarterly
Mouse Rotavirus (EDIM)MMFIMonthlyQuarterlyQuarterly
Pneumonia Virus (PVM)M, RMFIMonthlyQuarterlyQuarterly
Rat Coronavirus (RCV)/Sialodacryoadenitis Virus (SDAV)RMFIMonthlyQuarterlyQuarterly
Rat Minute Virus (RMV)RMFIMonthlyQuarterlyQuarterly
Rat Parvovirus (RPV)RMFIMonthlyQuarterlyQuarterly
Rat Polyomavirus 2 (RPyV2)RMFIAnnuallyAnnuallyAnnually
Rat Rotavirus (IDIR)RMFIAnnuallyAnnuallyAnnually
Toolan's H1 Virus (TH1)RMFIMonthlyQuarterlyQuarterly
Ectromelia VirusMMFIQuarterlyQuarterlyQuarterly
Hantaan VirusM, RMFIQuarterlyQuarterlyQuarterly
K VirusMMFIQuarterlyQuarterlyQuarterly
Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus (LCM)M, RMFIQuarterlyQuarterlyQuarterly
Mouse Adenovirus I and II (FL and K87)M, RMFIQuarterlyQuarterlyQuarterly
Mouse Cytomegalovirus (MCMV)MMFIQuarterlyQuarterlyQuarterly
Mouse Kidney Parvovirus (MKPV)MPCRQuarterlyQuarterlyQuarterly
Polyoma Virus (mouse)MMFIQuarterlyQuarterlyQuarterly
Reovirus (Reo 3)M, RMFIQuarterlyQuarterlyQuarterly
Sendai VirusM, RMFIQuarterlyQuarterlyQuarterly
Thymic VirusMMFISemiannuallySemiannuallySemiannually
Lactate Dehydrogenase Elevating Virus (LDHV)MMFIAnnuallyAnnuallyAnnually

Bacteria, mycoplasma, fungi

Beta hemolytic Streptococcus (non Group D)M, RCulture/PCRQuarterlyQuarterlyQuarterly
Bordetella bronchisepticaM, RCulture/PCRQuarterlyQuarterlyQuarterly
Filobacterium rodentium (CAR Bacillus)M, RMFIQuarterlyQuarterlyQuarterly
Citrobacter rodentiumMCulture/PCRQuarterlyQuarterlyQuarterly
Clostridium piliformeM, RMFIQuarterlyQuarterlyQuarterly
Corynebacterium bovisM, RCulture/PCRQuarterlyQuarterlyQuarterly
DermatophytesM, RPCRAnnuallyAnnuallyAnnually
Corynebacterium kutscheriM, RCulture/PCRQuarterlyQuarterlyQuarterly
Helicobacter spp.M, RPCRQuarterlyQuarterlyQuarterly
Klebsiella oxytocaM, RCulture/PCRQuarterlyQuarterlyQuarterly
Klebsiella pneumoniaeM, RCulture/PCRQuarterlyQuarterlyQuarterly
Mycoplasma pulmonisM, RMFIQuarterlyQuarterlyQuarterly
Pasteurella multocidaM, RPCRQuarterlyQuarterlyQuarterly
Pneumocystis spp.M, RPCRQuarterlyQuarterlyQuarterly
Proteus spp.M, RCulture/PCRQuarterlyQuarterlyQuarterly
Pseudomonas aeruginosaM, RCulture/PCRQuarterlyQuarterlyQuarterly
Rodentibacter heyliiM, RCulture/PCRQuarterlyQuarterlyQuarterly
Rodentibacter pneumotropicusM, RCulture/PCRQuarterlyQuarterlyQuarterly
Salmonella spp.M, RCulture/PCRQuarterlyQuarterlyQuarterly
Staphylococcus aureusM, RCulture/PCRQuarterlyQuarterlyQuarterly
Streptococcus pneumoniaeM, RCulture/PCRQuarterlyQuarterlyQuarterly
Streptobacillus moniliformisM, RPCRAnnuallyAnnuallyAnnually

Parasites

EndoparasitesM, RMicroscopy/PCRQuarterlyQuarterlyQuarterly
↳ Encephalitozoon cuniculiM, RMFIQuarterlyQuarterlyQuarterly
EctoparasitesM, RMicroscopy/PCRQuarterlyQuarterlyQuarterly
Enteric HelminthsM, RMicroscopy/PCRQuarterlyQuarterlyQuarterly

Opportunist screening (OF)Sample frequencySource of microbial samplesNumber of samples
OF: Aerobic cultures for beta hemolytic Streptococci, K. oxytoca, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, P. multocida, Proteus spp.MonthlyFecal pelletsFor locations with individually ventilated cages: 1 - 2 column per housing rack and all sentinel cages.

 

PCR testing is performed on fecal samples collected from line animal cages on IVC racks. 10 line animal cages per rack side are tested on a quarterly basis.

AgentsSpeciesIVC PCR (mouse)IVC PCR (rat)
Kilham Rats Virus (KRV)R X
Minute Virus of Mice (MVM)MX 
Mouse Encephalomyelitis Virus (GDVII)/Rat Theilovirus (RTV)M,RXX
Mouse Hepatitis Virus (MHV)MX 
Mouse Parvovirus (MPV)MX 
Mouse Rotavirus (EDIM)MX 
Murine Norovirus (MNV)MX 
Pneumonia Virus of Mice (PVM)M,RXX
Rat Coronavirus (RCV)/Sialodacryoadenitis Virus (SDAV)R X
Rat Minute Virus (RMV)R X
Rat Parvovirus (RPV)R X
Toolan's H1 Virus (TH1)R X
Corynebacterium bovisM,RXX
Pasteurella multocidaM,RXX
Rodentibacter heyliiM,RXX
Rodentibacter pneumotropicusM,RXX
Aspiculuris tetrapteraM,RXX
Syphacia spp.M,RXX

PCR testing is performed on total nucleic acids extracted from the exhaust air duct (EAD) filter on each IVC rack. This testing is performed quarterly on each rack.

AgentsSpeciesEAD (mouse)EAD (rat)
Kilham Rats Virus (KRV)R X
Minute Virus of Mice (MVM)MX 
Mouse Encephalomyelitis Virus (GDVII)/Rat Theilovirus (RTV)M,RXX
Mouse Hepatitis Virus (MHV)MX 
Mouse Parvovirus (MPV)MX 
Mouse Rotavirus (EDIM)MX 
Murine Norovirus (MNV)MX 
Mouse Kidney Parvovirus (MKPV)MX 
Pneumonia Virus of Mice (PVM)M,RXX
Rat Coronavirus (RCV)/Sialodacryoadenitis Virus (SDAV)R X
Rat Minute Virus (RMV)R X
Rat Parvovirus (RPV)R X
Toolan's H1 Virus (TH1)R X
Corynebacterium bovisM,RXX
Helicobacter spp.M,RXX
Pasteurella multocidaM,RXX
Rodentibacter heyliiM,RXX
Rodentibacter pneumotropicusM,RXX
Aspiculuris tetrapteraM,RXX
Entamoeba murisM,RXX
Myobia musculiM,RXX
Myocoptes musculinusM,RXX
Ornithonyssus bacotiM,RXX
Spironucleus murisM,RXX
Syphacia spp.M,RXX
Trichomonas murisM,RXX
Radfordia spp.M,RXX

Microbial monitoring (DF, GF)Sample frequencySource of microbial samplesNumber of samples
Cultures for all aerobic and anaerobic organismsBiweekly (DF) or weekly (GF)Animals (feces) and environment (feed, water, isolator surfaces, etc.)One pooled sample per isolator

Murine Pathogen Free™ (MPF™) health standard — open top caging locations

  Core testing programOpportunist screeningIVC PCR testingIVC exhaust air duct testingIsolator microbial monitoringBacteria 16S rRNA gene screening
AgentSpecies testedApplicableNot applicableNot applicableNot applicableNot applicableNot applicable
Viruses       
Kilham Rat Virus (KRV)RMonthly     
Minute Virus of Mice (MVM)MMonthly     
Mouse Encephalomyelitis Virus (GDVII)/ Rat Theilovirus (RTV)M, RMonthly     
Mouse Hepatitis Virus (MHV)MMonthly     
Murine Norovirus (MNV)MMonthly     
Mouse Parvovirus (MPV)MMonthly     
Mouse Rotavirus (EDIM)MMonthly     
Pneumonia Virus(PVM)M, RMonthly     
Rat Coronavirus (RCV)/Sialodacryoadenitis Virus (SDAV)RMonthly     
Rat Minute Virus (RMV)RMonthly     
Rat Parvovirus (RPV)RMonthly     
Rat Polyomavirus 2 (RPyV2)RAnnually     
Rat Rotavirus (IDIR)RAnnually     
Toolan's H1 Virus (TH1)RMonthly     
Ectromelia VirusMQuarterly     
Hantaan VirusM, RQuarterly     
K VirusMQuarterly     
Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus (LCM)M, RQuarterly     
Mouse Adenovirus I and II (FL and K87)M, RQuarterly     
Mouse Cytomegalovirus (MCMV)MQuarterly     
Mouse Kidney Parvovirus (MKPV)MQuarterly     
Polyoma Virus (mouse)MQuarterly     
Reovirus (Reo 3)M, RQuarterly     
Sendai VirusM, RQuarterly     
Thymic VirusMSemiannually     
Lactate Dehydrogenase Elevating Virus (LDHV)MAnnually     
Bacteria, mycoplasma, fungi       
Beta hemolytic Streptococcus (non Group D)M, RQuarterly     
Bordetella bronchisepticaM, RQuarterly     
Filobacterium rodentium (CAR Bacillus)M, RQuarterly     
Citrobacter rodentiumMQuarterly     
Clostridium piliformeM, RQuarterly     
Corynebacterium bovisM, RQuarterly     
Corynebacterium kutscheriM, RQuarterly     
DermatophytesM, RAnnually     
Helicobacter spp.M, RQuarterly     
Klebsiella oxytocaM, RQuarterly     
Klebsiella pneumoniaeM, RQuarterly     
Mycoplasma pulmonisM, RQuarterly     
Pasteurella multocidaM, RQuarterly     
Pneumocystis spp.M, RQuarterly     
Proteus spp.M, RQuarterly     
Pseudomonas aeruginosaM, RQuarterly     
Rodentibacter heyliiM, RQuarterly     
Rodentibacter pneumotropicusM, RQuarterly     
Salmonella spp.M, RQuarterly     
Staphylococcus aureusM, RQuarterly     
Streptococcus pneumoniaeM, RQuarterly     
Streptobacillus moniliformisM, RAnnually     
Parasites       
EndoparasitesM, RQuarterly     
↳ Encephalitozoon cuniculiM, RQuarterly     
EctoparasitesM, RQuarterly     
Enteric HelminthsM, RQuarterly     

Murine Pathogen Free™ (MPF™) health standard — individually ventilated caging locations

  Core testing programOpportunist screeningIVC PCR testingIVC exhaust air duct testingIsolator microbial monitoringBacteria 16S rRNA gene screening
AgentSpecies testedApplicableNot applicableApplicableApplicable1Not applicableNot applicable
Viruses       
Kilham Rat Virus (KRV)RMonthly QuarterlyQuarterly1  
Minute Virus of Mice (MVM)MMonthly QuarterlyQuarterly1  
Mouse Encephalomyelitis Virus (GDVII)/ Rat Theilovirus (RTV)M, RMonthly QuarterlyQuarterly1  
Mouse Hepatitis Virus (MHV)MMonthly QuarterlyQuarterly1  
Murine Norovirus (MNV)MMonthly QuarterlyQuarterly1  
Mouse Parvovirus (MPV)MMonthly QuarterlyQuarterly1  
Mouse Rotavirus (EDIM)MMonthly QuarterlyQuarterly1  
Pneumonia Virus(PVM)M, RMonthly QuarterlyQuarterly1  
Rat Coronavirus (RCV)/Sialodacryoadenitis Virus (SDAV)RMonthly QuarterlyQuarterly1  
Rat Minute Virus (RMV)RMonthly QuarterlyQuarterly1  
Rat Parvovirus (RPV)RMonthly QuarterlyQuarterly1  
Rat Polyomavirus 2 (RPyV2)RAnnually     
Rat Rotavirus (IDIR)RAnnually     
Toolan's H1 Virus (TH1)RMonthly QuarterlyQuarterly1  
Ectromelia VirusMQuarterly     
Hantaan VirusM, RQuarterly     
K VirusMQuarterly     
Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus (LCM)M, RQuarterly     
Mouse Adenovirus I and II (FL and K87)M, RQuarterly     
Mouse Cytomegalovirus (MCMV)MQuarterly     
Mouse Kidney Parvovirus (MKPV)MQuarterly  Quarterly1  
Polyoma Virus (mouse)MQuarterly     
Reovirus (Reo 3)M, RQuarterly     
Sendai VirusM, RQuarterly     
Thymic VirusMSemiannually     
Lactate Dehydrogenase Elevating Virus (LDHV)MAnnually     
Bacteria, mycoplasma, fungi       
Beta hemolytic Streptococcus (non Group D)M, RQuarterly     
Bordetella bronchisepticaM, RQuarterly     
Filobacterium rodentium (CAR Bacillus)M, RQuarterly     
Citrobacter rodentiumMQuarterly     
Clostridium piliformeM, RQuarterly     
Corynebacterium bovisM, RQuarterly QuarterlyQuarterly1  
Corynebacterium kutscheriM, RQuarterly     
DermatophytesM, RAnnually     
Helicobacter spp.M, RQuarterly  Quarterly1  
Klebsiella oxytocaM, RQuarterly     
Klebsiella pneumoniaeM, RQuarterly     
Mycoplasma pulmonisM, RQuarterly     
Pasteurella multocidaM, RQuarterly QuarterlyQuarterly1  
Pneumocystis spp.M, RQuarterly     
Proteus spp.M, RQuarterly     
Pseudomonas aeruginosaM, RQuarterly     
Rodentibacter heyliiM, RQuarterly QuarterlyQuarterly1  
Rodentibacter pneumotropicusM, RQuarterly QuarterlyQuarterly1  
Salmonella spp.M, RQuarterly     
Staphylococcus aureusM, RQuarterly     
Streptococcus pneumoniaeM, RQuarterly     
Streptobacillus moniliformisM, RAnnually     
Parasites       
EndoparasitesM, RQuarterly     
↳ Encephalitozoon cuniculiM, RQuarterly     
EctoparasitesM, RQuarterly     
Enteric HelminthsM, RQuarterly     
Aspiculuris tetrapteraM, R  QuarterlyQuarterly1  
Eimeria spp.M, R      
Encephalitozoon cuniculiM, R      
Entamoeba spp.M, R   Quarterly (Entamoeba muris)1  
Giardia murisM, R      
Hymenolepis spp.M, R      
Myobia musculiM, R   Quarterly1  
Myocoptes musculinusM, R   Quarterly1  
Ornithonyssus bacotiM, R   Quarterly1  
Polyplax spinulosaM, R      
Psorergates simplexM, R      
Radfordia affinisM, R   Quarterly1  
Rodentolepis spp.M, R      
Spironucleus murisM, R   Quarterly1  
Syphacia spp.M, R  QuarterlyQuarterly1  
TrichomonadsM, R   Quarterly1 (Trichomonas muris)  

1. Not all IVC racks are compatible with exhaust air duct (EAD) filters. Where possible, EAD filters will be installed and tested, but some locations will not perform this testing due to the rack-filter incompatibility.

 Opportunist Free™ (OF™) health standards — individually ventilated caging locations

  Core testing programOpportunist screeningIVC PCR testingIVC exhaust air duct testingIsolator microbial monitoringBacteria 16S rRNA gene screening
AgentSpecies testedApplicableApplicableApplicableApplicable1Not applicableNot applicable
Viruses       
Kilham Rat Virus (KRV)RQuarterly QuarterlyQuarterly1  
Minute Virus of Mice (MVM)MQuarterly QuarterlyQuarterly1  
Mouse Encephalomyelitis Virus (GDVII)/ Rat Theilovirus (RTV)M, RQuarterly QuarterlyQuarterly1  
Mouse Hepatitis Virus (MHV)MQuarterly QuarterlyQuarterly1  
Murine Norovirus (MNV)MQuarterly QuarterlyQuarterly1  
Mouse Parvovirus (MPV)MQuarterly QuarterlyQuarterly1  
Rat Polyomavirus 2 (RPyV2)RAnnually     
Rat Rotavirus (IDIR)RAnnually     
Mouse Rotavirus (EDIM)MQuarterly QuarterlyQuarterly1  
Pneumonia Virus(PVM)M, RQuarterly QuarterlyQuarterly1  
Rat Coronavirus (RCV)/Sialodacryoadenitis Virus (SDAV)RQuarterly QuarterlyQuarterly1  
Rat Minute Virus (RMV)RQuarterly QuarterlyQuarterly1  
Rat Parvovirus (RPV)RQuarterly QuarterlyQuarterly1  
Toolan's H1 Virus (TH1)RQuarterly QuarterlyQuarterly1  
Ectromelia VirusMQuarterly     
Hantaan VirusM, RQuarterly     
K VirusMQuarterly     
Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus (LCM)M, RQuarterly     
Mouse Adenovirus I and II (FL and K87)M, RQuarterly     
Mouse Cytomegalovirus (MCMV)MQuarterly     
Mouse Kidney Parvovirus (MKPV)MQuarterly  Quarterly1  
Polyoma Virus (mouse)MQuarterly     
Reovirus (Reo 3)M, RQuarterly     
Sendai VirusM, RQuarterly     
Thymic VirusMSemiannually     
Lactate Dehydrogenase Elevating Virus (LDHV)MAnnually     
Bacteria, mycoplasma, fungi       
Beta hemolytic Streptococcus (non Group D)M, RQuarterlyMonthly    
Bordetella bronchisepticaM, RQuarterly     
Filobacterium rodentium (CAR Bacillus)M, RQuarterly     
Citrobacter rodentiumMQuarterly     
Clostridium piliformeM, RQuarterly     
Corynebacterium bovisM, RQuarterly QuarterlyQuarterly1  
Corynebacterium kutscheriM, RQuarterly     
DermatophytesM, RAnnually     
Helicobacter spp.M, RQuarterly  Quarterly1  
Klebsiella oxytocaM, RQuarterlyMonthly    
Klebsiella pneumoniaeM, RQuarterlyMonthly    
Mycoplasma pulmonisM, RQuarterly     
Pasteurella multocidaM, RQuarterlyMonthlyQuarterlyQuarterly1  
Pneumocystis spp.M, RQuarterly     
Proteus spp.M, RQuarterlyMonthly at OF    
Pseudomonas aeruginosaM, RQuarterlyMonthly    
Salmonella spp.M, RQuarterly     
Rodentibacter heyliiM, RQuarterly QuarterlyQuarterly1  
Rodentibacter pneumotropicusM, RQuarterly QuarterlyQuarterly1  
Staphylococcus aureusM, RQuarterlyMonthly    
Streptococcus pneumoniaeM, RQuarterly     
Streptobacillus moniliformisM, RAnnually     
Parasites       
EndoparasitesM, RQuarterly     
↳ Encephalitozoon cuniculiM, RQuarterly     
EctoparasitesM, RQuarterly     
Enteric HelminthsM, RQuarterly     
Aspiculuris tetrapteraM, R  QuarterlyQuarterly1  
Eimeria spp.M, R      
Encephalitozoon cuniculiM, R      
Entamoeba spp.M, R   Quarterly (Entamoeba muris)1  
Giardia murisM, R      
Hymenolepis spp.M, R      
Myobia musculiM, R   Quarterly1  
Myocoptes musculinusM, R   Quarterly1  
Ornithonyssus bacotiM, R   Quarterly1  
Polyplax spinulosaM, R      
Psorergates simplexM, R      
Radfordia affinisM, R   Quarterly1  
Rodentolepis spp.M, R      
Spironucleus murisM, R   Quarterly1  
Syphacia spp.M, R  QuarterlyQuarterly1  
TrichomonadsM, R   Quarterly1 (Trichomonas muris)  

1. Not all IVC racks are compatible with exhaust air duct (EAD) filters. Where possible, EAD filters will be installed and tested, but some locations will not perform this testing due to the rack-filter incompatibility.

Defined Flora (DF) health standard

  Core testing programOpportunist screeningIVC PCR testingIVC exhaust air duct testingIsolator microbial monitoringBacteria 16S rRNA gene screening
AgentSpecies testedApplicableNot applicableNot applicableNot applicableApplicableNot applicable
Viruses       
Kilham Rat Virus (KRV)RQuarterly     
Minute Virus of Mice (MVM)MQuarterly     
Mouse Encephalomyelitis Virus (GDVII)/ Rat Theilovirus (RTV)M, RQuarterly     
Mouse Hepatitis Virus (MHV)MQuarterly     
Murine Norovirus (MNV)MQuarterly     
Mouse Parvovirus (MPV)MQuarterly     
Mouse Rotavirus (EDIM)MQuarterly     
Pneumonia Virus(PVM)M, RQuarterly     
Rat Coronavirus (RCV)/Sialodacryoadenitis Virus (SDAV)RQuarterly     
Rat Minute Virus (RMV)RQuarterly     
Rat Parvovirus (RPV)RQuarterly     
Rat Polyomavirus 2 (RPyV2)RAnnually     
Rat Rotavirus (IDIR)RAnnually     
Toolan's H1 Virus (TH1)RQuarterly     
Ectromelia VirusMQuarterly     
Hantaan VirusM, RQuarterly     
K VirusMQuarterly     
Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus (LCM)M, RQuarterly     
Mouse Adenovirus I and II (FL and K87)M, RQuarterly     
Mouse Cytomegalovirus (MCMV)MQuarterly     
Mouse Kidney Parvovirus (MKPV)MQuarterly     
Polyoma Virus (mouse)MQuarterly     
Reovirus (Reo 3)M, RQuarterly     
Sendai VirusM, RQuarterly     
Thymic VirusMSemiannually     
Lactate Dehydrogenase Elevating Virus (LDHV)MAnnually     
Bacteria, mycoplasma, fungi     All bacterial, mycoplasma, fungal contaminants monitored bi-weekly 
Beta hemolytic Streptococcus (non Group D)M, RQuarterly     
Bordetella bronchisepticaM, RQuarterly     
Filobacterium rodentium (CAR Bacillus)M, RQuarterly     
Citrobacter rodentiumMQuarterly     
Clostridium piliformeM, RQuarterly     
Corynebacterium bovisM, RQuarterly     
Corynebacterium kutscheriM, RQuarterly     
DermatophytesM, RAnnually     
Helicobacter spp.M, RQuarterly     
Klebsiella oxytocaM, RQuarterly     
Klebsiella pneumoniaeM, RQuarterly     
Mycoplasma pulmonisM, RQuarterly     
Pasteurella multocidaM, RQuarterly     
Pneumocystis spp.M, RQuarterly     
Proteus spp.M, RQuarterly     
Pseudomonas aeruginosaM, RQuarterly     
Rodentibacter heyliiM, RQuarterly     
Rodentibacter pneumotropicusM, RQuarterly     
Salmonella spp.M, RQuarterly     
Staphylococcus aureusM, RQuarterly     
Streptococcus pneumoniaeM, RQuarterly     
Streptobacillus moniliformisM, RAnnually     
Parasites       
EndoparasitesM, RQuarterly     
↳ Encephalitozoon cuniculiM, RQuarterly     
EctoparasitesM, RQuarterly     
Enteric HelminthsM, RQuarterly     

Germ Free (GF) health standard

  Core testing programOpportunist screeningIVC PCR testingIVC exhaust air duct testingIsolator microbial monitoringBacteria 16S rRNA gene screening
AgentSpecies testedApplicableNot applicableNot applicableNot applicableApplicableApplicable
Viruses       
Kilham Rat Virus (KRV)RQuarterly     
Minute Virus of Mice (MVM)MQuarterly     
Mouse Encephalomyelitis Virus (GDVII)/ Rat Theilovirus (RTV)M, RQuarterly     
Mouse Hepatitis Virus (MHV)MQuarterly     
Murine Norovirus (MNV)MQuarterly     
Mouse Parvovirus (MPV)MQuarterly     
Mouse Rotavirus (EDIM)MQuarterly     
Pneumonia Virus(PVM)M, RQuarterly     
Rat Coronavirus (RCV)/Sialodacryoadenitis Virus (SDAV)RQuarterly     
Rat Minute Virus (RMV)RQuarterly     
Rat Parvovirus (RPV)RQuarterly     
Rat Polyomavirus 2 (RPyV2)RAnnually     
Rat Rotavirus (IDIR)RAnnually     
Toolan's H1 Virus (TH1)RQuarterly     
Ectromelia VirusMQuarterly     
Hantaan VirusM, RQuarterly     
K VirusMQuarterly     
Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus (LCM)M, RQuarterly     
Mouse Adenovirus I and II (FL and K87)M, RQuarterly     
Mouse Cytomegalovirus (MCMV)MQuarterly     
Mouse Kidney Parvovirus (MKPV)MQuarterly     
Polyoma Virus (mouse)MQuarterly     
Reovirus (Reo 3)M, RQuarterly     
Sendai VirusM, RQuarterly     
Thymic VirusMSemiannually     
Lactate Dehydrogenase Elevating Virus (LDHV)MAnnually     
Bacteria, mycoplasma, fungi     All bacterial, mycoplasma, fungal contaminants monitored weeklyBacteria 16S rRNA gene screening performed monthly
Beta hemolytic Streptococcus (non Group D)M, RQuarterly     
Bordetella bronchisepticaM, RQuarterly     
Filobacterium rodentium (CAR Bacillus)M, RQuarterly     
Citrobacter rodentiumMQuarterly     
Clostridium piliformeM, RQuarterly     
Corynebacterium bovisM, RQuarterly     
Corynebacterium kutscheriM, RQuarterly     
DermatophytesM, RAnnually     
Helicobacter spp.M, RQuarterly     
Klebsiella oxytocaM, RQuarterly     
Klebsiella pneumoniaeM, RQuarterly     
Mycoplasma pulmonisM, RQuarterly     
Pasteurella multocidaM, RQuarterly     
Pneumocystis spp.M, RQuarterly     
Proteus spp.M, RQuarterly     
Pseudomonas aeruginosaM, RQuarterly     
Rodentibacter heyliiM, RQuarterly     
Rodentibacter pneumotropicusM, RQuarterly     
Salmonella spp.M, RQuarterly     
Staphylococcus aureusM, RQuarterly     
Streptococcus pneumoniaeM, RQuarterly     
Streptobacillus moniliformisM, RAnnually     
Parasites       
EndoparasitesM, RQuarterly     
↳ Encephalitozoon cuniculiM, RQuarterly     
EctoparasitesM, RQuarterly     
Enteric HelminthsM, RQuarterly