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 Sentinel-Free 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.

Sentinel-free soiled bedding testing via PCR in locations using IVC housing. Provides a snapshot of all cages on a rack. This method is particularly well suited to detection of certain agents.

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 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

AgentSpecies testedCore testing programOpportunist screeningIVC Supplemental Sentinel-Free testingIsolator microbial monitoringBacteria 16S rRNA gene screening
  ApplicableN/AN/AN/AN/A
Viruses
Kilham Rat Virus (KRV)RMonthlyN/AN/AN/AN/A
Minute Virus of Mice (MVM)MMonthlyN/AN/AN/AN/A
Mouse Encephalomyelitis Virus (GDVII)/ Rat Theilovirus (RTV)M, RMonthlyN/AN/AN/AN/A
Mouse Hepatitis Virus (MHV)MMonthlyN/AN/AN/AN/A
Murine Norovirus (MNV)MMonthlyN/AN/AN/AN/A
Mouse Parvovirus (MPV)MMonthlyN/AN/AN/AN/A
Mouse Rotavirus (EDIM)MMonthlyN/AN/AN/AN/A
Pneumonia Virus(PVM)M, RMonthlyN/AN/AN/AN/A
Rat Coronavirus (RCV)/Sialodacryoadenitis Virus (SDAV)RMonthlyN/AN/AN/AN/A
Rat Minute Virus (RMV)RMonthlyN/AN/AN/AN/A
Rat Parvovirus (RPV)RMonthlyN/AN/AN/AN/A
Rat Polyomavirus 2 (RPyV2)RAnnuallyN/AN/AN/AN/A
Rat Rotavirus (IDIR)RAnnuallyN/AN/AN/AN/A
Toolan's H1 Virus (TH1)RMonthlyN/AN/AN/AN/A
Ectromelia VirusMQuarterlyN/AN/AN/AN/A
Hantaan VirusM, RQuarterlyN/AN/AN/AN/A
K VirusMQuarterlyN/AN/AN/AN/A
Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus (LCM)M, RQuarterlyN/AN/AN/AN/A
Mouse Adenovirus I and II (FL and K87)M, RQuarterlyN/AN/AN/AN/A
Mouse Cytomegalovirus (MCMV)MQuarterlyN/AN/AN/AN/A
Mouse Kidney Parvovirus (MKPV)MQuarterlyN/AN/AN/AN/A
Polyoma Virus (mouse)MQuarterlyN/AN/AN/AN/A
Reovirus (Reo 3)M, RQuarterlyN/AN/AN/AN/A
Sendai VirusM, RQuarterlyN/AN/AN/AN/A
Thymic VirusMSemiannuallyN/AN/AN/AN/A
Lactate Dehydrogenase Elevating Virus (LDHV)MAnnuallyN/AN/AN/AN/A
Bacteria, mycoplasma, fungi
Beta hemolytic Streptococcus (non Group D)M, RQuarterlyN/AN/AN/AN/A
Bordetella bronchisepticaM, RQuarterlyN/AN/AN/AN/A
Filobacterium rodentium (CAR Bacillus)M, RQuarterlyN/AN/AN/AN/A
Citrobacter rodentiumMQuarterlyN/AN/AN/AN/A
Clostridium piliformeM, RQuarterlyN/AN/AN/AN/A
Corynebacterium bovisM, RQuarterlyN/AN/AN/AN/A
Corynebacterium kutscheriM, RQuarterlyN/AN/AN/AN/A
DermatophytesM, RAnnuallyN/AN/AN/AN/A
Helicobacter spp.M, RQuarterlyN/AN/AN/AN/A
Klebsiella oxytocaM, RQuarterlyN/AN/AN/AN/A
Klebsiella pneumoniaeM, RQuarterlyN/AN/AN/AN/A
Mycoplasma pulmonisM, RQuarterlyN/AN/AN/AN/A
Pasteurella multocidaM, RQuarterlyN/AN/AN/AN/A
Pneumocystis spp.M, RQuarterlyN/AN/AN/AN/A
Proteus spp.M, RQuarterlyN/AN/AN/AN/A
Pseudomonas aeruginosaM, RQuarterlyN/AN/AN/AN/A
Rodentibacter heyliiM, RQuarterlyN/AN/AN/AN/A
Rodentibacter pneumotropicusM, RQuarterlyN/AN/AN/AN/A
Salmonella spp.M, RQuarterlyN/AN/AN/AN/A
Staphylococcus aureusM, RQuarterlyN/AN/AN/AN/A
Streptococcus pneumoniaeM, RQuarterlyN/AN/AN/AN/A
Streptobacillus moniliformisM, RAnnuallyN/AN/AN/AN/A
Parasites
EndoparasitesM, RQuarterlyN/AN/AN/AN/A
↳ Eimeria spp.M, RQuarterlyN/AN/AN/AN/A
↳ Encephalitozoon cuniculiM, RQuarterlyN/AN/AN/AN/A
Entamoeba spp.M, RQuarterlyN/AN/AN/AN/A
↳ Giardia murisM, RQuarterlyN/AN/AN/AN/A
↳ Spironucleus murisM, RQuarterlyN/AN/AN/AN/A
↳ TrichomonadsM, RQuarterlyN/AN/AN/AN/A
Ectoparasites (mites & lice)M, RQuarterlyN/AN/AN/AN/A
↳ Myobia musculi (mite)M, RQuarterlyN/AN/AN/AN/A
↳ Myocoptes musculinus (mite)M, RQuarterlyN/AN/AN/AN/A
↳ Ornithonyssus bacoti (mite)M, RQuarterlyN/AN/AN/AN/A
↳ Polyplax spinulosa (lice)M, RQuarterlyN/AN/AN/AN/A
↳ Psorergates simplex (mite)M, RQuarterlyN/AN/AN/AN/A
↳ Radfordia affinis (mite)M, RQuarterlyN/AN/AN/AN/A
Enteric Helminths (parasitic worms)M, RQuarterlyN/AN/AN/AN/A
↳ Aspirculuris tetraptera (pinworm)M, RQuarterlyN/AN/AN/AN/A
↳ Syphacia spp. (pinworm)M, RQuarterlyN/AN/AN/AN/A
↳ Hymenolepis spp. (tapeworm)M, RQuarterlyN/AN/AN/AN/A

Rodentolepis spp. (tapeworm)

M, RQuarterlyN/AN/AN/AN/A

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

  Core testing programOpportunist screeningIVC Supplemental Sentinel-Free testingIsolator microbial monitoringBacteria 16S rRNA gene screening
AgentSpecies testedApplicableNot applicableApplicable1Not applicableNot applicable
Viruses      
Kilham Rat Virus (KRV)RMonthly Quarterly1  
Minute Virus of Mice (MVM)MMonthly Quarterly1  
Mouse Encephalomyelitis Virus (GDVII)/ Rat Theilovirus (RTV)M, RMonthly Quarterly1  
Mouse Hepatitis Virus (MHV)MMonthly Quarterly1  
Murine Norovirus (MNV)MMonthly Quarterly1  
Mouse Parvovirus (MPV)MMonthly Quarterly1  
Mouse Rotavirus (EDIM)MMonthly Quarterly1  
Pneumonia Virus(PVM)M, RMonthly Quarterly1  
Rat Coronavirus (RCV)/Sialodacryoadenitis Virus (SDAV)RMonthly Quarterly1  
Rat Minute Virus (RMV)RMonthly Quarterly1  
Rat Parvovirus (RPV)RMonthly Quarterly1  
Rat Polyomavirus 2 (RPyV2)RAnnually    
Rat Rotavirus (IDIR)RAnnually    
Toolan's H1 Virus (TH1)RMonthly Quarterly1  
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 Quarterly1  
Corynebacterium kutscheriM, RQuarterly    
DermatophytesM, RAnnually    
Helicobacter spp.M, RQuarterly Quarterly1  
Klebsiella oxytocaM, RQuarterly    
Klebsiella pneumoniaeM, RQuarterly    
Mycoplasma pulmonisM, RQuarterly    
Pasteurella multocidaM, RQuarterly Quarterly1  
Pneumocystis spp.M, RQuarterly    
Proteus spp.M, RQuarterly    
Pseudomonas aeruginosaM, RQuarterly    
Rodentibacter heyliiM, RQuarterly Quarterly1  
Rodentibacter pneumotropicusM, RQuarterly Quarterly1  
Salmonella spp.M, RQuarterly    
Staphylococcus aureusM, RQuarterly    
Streptococcus pneumoniaeM, RQuarterly    
Streptobacillus moniliformisM, RAnnually    
Parasites      
EndoparasitesM, RQuarterly    
↳ Eimeria spp.      
↳ Encephalitozoon cuniculiM, RQuarterly    
↳ Entamoeba sppM, RQuarterly    
↳ Giardia murisM, RQuarterly    
↳ Spironucleus murisM, RQuarterly    
↳ TrichomonadsM, RQuarterly    
Ectoparasites (mites & lice)M, RQuarterly    
↳ Myobia musculi (mite)M, RQuarterly    
↳ Myocoptes musculinus (mite)M, RQuarterly    
↳ Polyplax spinulosa (lice)M, RQuarterly    
↳ Psorergates simplex (mite)M, RQuarterly    
↳ Radfordia affinis (mite)M, RQuarterly    
Enteric Helminths (parasitic worms)M, RQuarterly    
↳ Aspirculuris tetraptera (pinworm)M, RQuarterly    
↳ Syphacia spp. (pinworm)M, RQuarterly    
↳ Hymenolepis spp. (tapeworm)M, RQuarterly    
↳ Rodentolepis spp. (tapeworm)M, RQuarterly    
Aspiculuris tetrapteraM, R  Quarterly1  
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  Quarterly1  
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 Supplemental Sentinel-Free testingIsolator microbial monitoringBacteria 16S rRNA gene screening
AgentSpecies testedApplicableApplicableApplicable1Not applicableNot applicable
Viruses      
Kilham Rat Virus (KRV)RQuarterly Quarterly1  
Minute Virus of Mice (MVM)MQuarterly Quarterly1  
Mouse Encephalomyelitis Virus (GDVII)/ Rat Theilovirus (RTV)M, RQuarterly Quarterly1  
Mouse Hepatitis Virus (MHV)MQuarterly Quarterly1  
Murine Norovirus (MNV)MQuarterly Quarterly1  
Mouse Parvovirus (MPV)MQuarterly Quarterly1  
Rat Polyomavirus 2 (RPyV2)RAnnually    
Rat Rotavirus (IDIR)RAnnually    
Mouse Rotavirus (EDIM)MQuarterly Quarterly1  
Pneumonia Virus(PVM)M, RQuarterly Quarterly1  
Rat Coronavirus (RCV)/Sialodacryoadenitis Virus (SDAV)RQuarterly Quarterly1  
Rat Minute Virus (RMV)RQuarterly Quarterly1  
Rat Parvovirus (RPV)RQuarterly Quarterly1  
Toolan's H1 Virus (TH1)RQuarterly Quarterly1  
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 Quarterly1  
Corynebacterium kutscheriM, RQuarterly    
DermatophytesM, RAnnually    
Helicobacter spp.M, RQuarterly Quarterly1  
Klebsiella oxytocaM, RQuarterlyMonthly   
Klebsiella pneumoniaeM, RQuarterlyMonthly   
Mycoplasma pulmonisM, RQuarterly    
Pasteurella multocidaM, RQuarterlyMonthlyQuarterly1  
Pneumocystis spp.M, RQuarterly    
Proteus spp.M, RQuarterlyMonthly at OF   
Pseudomonas aeruginosaM, RQuarterlyMonthly   
Salmonella spp.M, RQuarterly    
Rodentibacter heyliiM, RQuarterly Quarterly1  
Rodentibacter pneumotropicusM, RQuarterly Quarterly1  
Staphylococcus aureusM, RQuarterlyMonthly   
Streptococcus pneumoniaeM, RQuarterly    
Streptobacillus moniliformisM, RAnnually    
Parasites      
EndoparasitesM, RQuarterly    
↳ Eimeria spp.M, RQuarterly    
↳ Encephalitozoon cuniculiM, RQuarterly    
↳ Entamoeba sppM, RQuarterly    
↳ Giardia murisM, RQuarterly    
↳ Spironucleus murisM, RQuarterly    
↳ TrichomonadsM, RQuarterly    
Ectoparasites (mites & lice)M, RQuarterly    
↳ Myobia musculi (mite)M, RQuarterly    
↳ Myocoptes musculinus (mite)M, RQuarterly    
↳ Ornithonyssus bacoti (mite)M, RQuarterly    
↳ Polyplax spinulosa (lice)M, RQuarterly    
↳ Psorergates simplex (mite)M, RQuarterly    
↳ Radfordia affinis (mite)M, RQuarterly    
Enteric Helminths (parasitic worms)M, RQuarterly    
↳ Aspirculuris tetraptera (pinworm)M, RQuarterly    
↳ Syphacia spp. (pinworm)M, RQuarterly    
↳ Hymenolepis spp. (tapeworm)M, RQuarterly    
↳ Rodentolepis spp. (tapeworm)M, RQuarterly    
Aspiculuris tetrapteraM, R  Quarterly1  
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  Quarterly1  
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 Supplemental Sentinel-Free testingIsolator microbial monitoringBacteria 16S rRNA gene screening
AgentSpecies testedApplicableNot 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    
↳ Eimeria spp.M, RQuarterly    
↳ Encephalitozoon cuniculiM, RQuarterly    
↳ Entamoeba sppM, RQuarterly    
↳ Giardia murisM, RQuarterly    
↳ Spironucleus murisM, RQuarterly    
TrichomonadsM, RQuarterly    
Ectoparasites (mites & lice)M, RQuarterly    
↳ Myobia musculi (mite)M, RQuarterly    
↳ Myocoptes musculinus (mite)M, RQuarterly    
↳ Ornithonyssus bacoti (mite)M, RQuarterly    
↳ Polyplax spinulosa (lice)M, RQuarterly    
↳ Psorergates simplex (mite)M, RQuarterly    
↳ Radfordia affinis (mite)M, RQuarterly    
Enteric Helminths (parasitic worms)M, RQuarterly    
↳ Aspirculuris tetraptera (pinworm)M, RQuarterly    
↳ Syphacia spp. (pinworm)M, RQuarterly    
↳ Hymenolepis spp. (tapeworm)M, RQuarterly    
↳ Rodentolepis spp. (tapeworm)M, RQuarterly    

Germ Free (GF) health standard

  Core testing programOpportunist screeningIVC Supplemental Sentinel-Free testingIsolator microbial monitoringBacteria 16S rRNA gene screening
AgentSpecies testedApplicableNot 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    
↳ Eimeria spp.M, RQuarterly    
↳ Encephalitozoon cuniculiM, RQuarterly    
↳ Entamoeba sppM, RQuarterly    
↳ Giardia murisM, RQuarterly    
↳ Spironucleus murisM, RQuarterly    
↳ TrichomonadsM, RQuarterly    
Ectoparasites (mites & lice)M, RQuarterly    
↳ Myobia musculi (mite)M, RQuarterly    
↳ Myocoptes musculinus (mite)M, RQuarterly    
↳ Ornithonyssus bacoti (mite)M, RQuarterly    
↳ Polyplax spinulosa (lice)M, RQuarterly    
↳ Psorergates simplex (mite)M, RQuarterly    
↳ Radfordia affinis (mite)M, RQuarterly    
Enteric Helminths (parasitic worms)M, RQuarterly    
↳ Aspirculuris tetraptera (pinworm)M, RQuarterly    
↳ Syphacia spp. (pinworm)M, RQuarterly    
↳ Hymenolepis spp. (tapeworm)M, RQuarterly    
↳ Rodentolepis spp. (tapeworm)M, RQuarterly