handling of rabbit in laboratory

1991) and attributed to the need for some degree of social contact in a socially deprived individual; however, this trend was not observed by Schepers et al. 1973, Pongrácz & Altbäcker 2003). The importance of exposure to humans during the immediate postnatal period means that the onus for adequate socialisation is placed on the breeding establishments. Several sections of the guidelines have yet to be finalised, but the Councils are now issuing those relating to housing and care of laboratory animals. V. Husbandry: Diet for laboratory rabbits is usually pelleted. In addition, the handler risks injury from bite wounds or scratches inflicted when the animal be … For the safety of the handler and the animal, proper methods for handling and restraining laboratory animals should be followed. (1989) aimed to investigate the difference in performance in an open‐field test (testing the rabbit's activity in a novel environment) in rabbits that were ‘handled’ at different points (one group were handled between 1 and 10 days, another between 10 and 20 days and the third was not handled at all). Hold rabbits gently but firmly, ensure one hand supports their back and hindquarters at all time. Proper technique when handling rabbits is essential to prevent the animal from accidentally breaking its back, a common outcome associated with inappropriate rabbit handling. The World Health Organization has developed guidelines for population screening based on principles developed by Wilson & Jungner (1968). 19 In a similar study, rabbits handled … Should we advocate neutering for all pet rabbits?, http://www.rabbit.org/journal/5‐2/scruffing.html, https://bunnybehaviour.wordpress.com/video‐gallery/expert‐pack/picking‐up‐rabbits/, https://bunnybehaviour.wordpress.com/video‐gallery/expert‐pack/picking‐up‐larger‐rabbits/, http://www.thebrc.org/codes‐of‐practice‐sale.htm, http://www.rabbitnetwork.org/articles/calvin11.shtml, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_J0AMPPD34, https://www.pdsa.org.uk/~/media/pdsa/files/pdfs/veterinary/pdsa_animal_wellbeing_report_2011.ashx?la=en, https://www.pdsa.org.uk/~/media/pdsa/files/pdfs/veterinary/paw‐reports/pdsa‐paw‐report‐2015.ashx?la=en, https://www.petplan.co.uk/petcensus/censusinfo.pdf, http://www.rabbitwelfare.co.uk/?section=policies.html, http://stud.epsilon.slu.se/5998/1/Ulfsdotter_L_130829.pdf. While the number and prevalence of these pathogens have … If you know of other resources that you think should be featured on this page, please contact us at contactus@na3rsc.org. Laboratory animals are inevitably subjected to human contact throughout their lives, during both husbandry and experiments. In addition, depriving the animal of any perceived ability to escape is likely to promote stress. Proper design is critical for improved health and welfare, both of which impact scientific validity. Many rabbits show fear behaviours when lifted off the ground. Rabbits were domesticated as recently as 1400 years ago (Clutton‐Brock 1999). Successful handling also requires the ability to recognize the animal’s state of mind, which may include bewilderment, apprehension and in some cases discomfort or … 1981) or if it is accustomed to being ‘handled’ (Verwer et al. (2009), who showed that both ‘handling’ within 0.5 hours of nursing, and exposure to 5 minutes of human scent within 0.5 hours of nursing, resulted in the same drop in approach latency and increased approach frequency compared to control animals. (1985) and Daly (1973), who reported that mild stress in early life reduced anxiety in later life in other species. Rabbit Hands-on Laboratory Includes a demonstration of proper techniques for humane handling, restraint, and use of rabbits, including recognition of normal and abnormal physical and behavioral changes, gender determination, blood vessel access, and administration of medication. Additionally, this condition is arguably so common (approaching 100% in pet rabbits, Mancinelli et al. • This study aimed to investigate methods of handling between contexts by conducting a review of books. The aim of this article is to review the literature on the effects of carrying rabbits, review methods to reduce the stress perceived at different life stages and to provide sound recommendations for rabbit handling based on the evidence in the literature. Crowell‐Davis (2007) discusses desensitisation and counter‐conditioning for fear aggressive rabbits in the context of being lifted. Washington, DC: Animal Welfare Institute. 6, 31, 33, 34 (ii) Wild rabbits are naturally gregarious and live in breeding groups. Help them feel … Mullan & Main (2007) explored the ability of owners to lift their rabbits – comparing the owner's assessment of their own level of confidence with the behaviour of their rabbits. Of these 4 areas, it is lifting and holding that is most likely to damage the human–animal bond. Knowing how to properly handle a rabbit is critical for prevention of injuries to the rabbit and its handler. The animals are: 1. (d) Rabbit tucked under handler's arm. It seems logical that contact with the animal in areas which are more frequently contacted – over the spine and under the hindquarters, with support for the paws, will be better tolerated. Incorporating the early contact themes from the Socialisation section, work from Kersten et al. Further research should explore the potential welfare implications of different handling methods; but without good evidence to the contrary, a rabbit should be ‘scruffed’ only when unavoidable and best practice would be compliance with the recommendations of the RWAF. Don’t frighten the rabbits with sudden noise or movement and make sure they are protected from any disturbance by rodents or other animals eg by providing suitably fenced areas for them. Owners can be educated about the stress inflicted by lifting rabbits and about methods that reduce the need to do so. Additionally, selective breeding and socialisation should generate a population that is generally more able to cope with occasional stresses, and, finally, education of veterinary surgeons and nurses should ensure that those stresses are minimised as much as possible. Sufficient space to permit group housing, exercise and allow essential enrichment such that the animals can perform a wide range of normal behaviour. Brief handling of rabbits and exposure to novel environments during the first 3 wk of life has also been shown to affect fear after weaning in a manner not specific to humans. AU - Oxley, James Andrew. Comfortable Quarters for Laboratory Animals, Animal Welfare Institute's Refinement Database: Rabbits, RSPCA Rodent/Rabbit Welfare Meeting Reports, University of Michigan's Rabbit Social Housing Guide. 2014) of pet rabbits struggle if lifted and fear‐related aggression is common: Normando & Gelli (2011) showed in 1 study that 24% of pet rabbits had bitten the owner at least once. If a rabbit must be held, it should be held firmly and gently as hesitant restraint promotes struggling which can cause injury (Batchelor 1999). (2011) suggested that handling rabbits (by scruffing and supporting the There was very significant interlitter variance and the authors concluded that selective breeding may be more effective in obtaining less emotional rabbits than early handling [this has been demonstrated elsewhere (Daniewski & Jezierski 2003)]. Additionally, there are areas that warrant further research to improve the welfare of future generations of rabbits. In a laboratory setting, it is important to provide housing that allows expression in a wide range of species-typical behaviors while also meeting the goals of the researcher. Also keep in mind that some of the recommendations below (e.g., providing increased exercise space to rabbits) can change some specific experimental models. Guinea Pig 3. Maternal antibody passed in utero-hemoendothelial placenta. It is harder to induce tonic immobility if the rabbit is near the home cage (Ewell et al. Practical application of the above findings may help to increase the threshold for fear and distress in pet rabbits. These slides shows you how to pick up, hold and restrain laboratory rabbits. Rabbits should never be picked up by their ears. In Comfortable Quarters for Laboratory Animals, Viktor Reinhardt and Annie Reinhardt (eds. Monkeypox is a viral disease that occurs mostly in central and western Africa. Laboratory Procedures. (1973) demonstrated a difference in approach latency between handled and unhandled rabbits, which was in agreement with the findings of Muir et al. Yet despite this incidence of aggression, rabbits are rarely relinquished to rescue centres explicitly because of behavioural problems (Cook & Mccobb 2012, Ulfsdotter 2013). Frequently, these organisms cause no overt signs of disease. Behaviour of the pet rabbit: what is normal and why do problems develop? After this, Jezierski & Konecka (1996) narrowed the field of this rabbit socialisation period to between 10 days and 30 weeks, and Pongrácz & Altbäcker (1999) demonstrated that significant and long‐lasting effects could be achieved by ‘handling’ kits between 15 minutes prenursing and 30 minutes postnursing during the first week postpartum. Many rabbits show fear behaviours when lifted from the ground. (c) Rabbit held on handler's arm. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article. Travel boxes that can have the lid removed mean that the clinical exam can be conducted with the rabbit remaining in the base of the box. These recommendations are listed below. When handling all small mammals, a firm but gentle approach is advisable. The Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWAF) state that a rabbit should be ‘lifted gently and securely, one hand should be across the shoulder blades, fingers gently supporting the chest of the rabbit whilst the other is under the rabbit's bottom, taking the bulk of the weight’ (RWAF 2007; Fig 1a). 2010). Experimental Design, Reproducibility, & Translation, Translational Digital Biomarkers Working Group, Microphysiological Systems (MPS) Exposition, Microphysiological Systems (MPS) Working Group, Highly social with strong dominance hierarchies, Crepuscular/Nocturnal (Though can be diurnal in the laboratory. 2009), whereas rabbits with high corticosterone levels are more likely to show tonic immobility (Carli et al. (e) Rabbit cupped in hands. McBride (2011) reports that some pet owners believe that tonic immobility (‘trancing’ or ‘hypnotising’) is caused by relaxation rather than fear, and popular internet images and memes reinforce this belief (Mati 2013). However, in this study, behavioural problems may be masked in the data: relinquishment because ‘the owner has lost interest in the rabbit’ may cover a range of behavioural problems, as inactivity and lack of play behaviours make for an uninteresting pet. But they also found that rabbits belonging to owners who self‐labelled as ‘unconfident’ were more likely to willingly approach. Magnus (2005) describes fear aggression related to being lifted as one of the most common behavioural problems seen in rabbits, a product of repeated aversive lifting experiences resulting in escalation of defence mechanisms. and intensity of light used often proves useful in handling small mammals and rodents. (b) Rabbit upright on handler's chest. used by all persons responsible for laboratory animals and particularly by licensees and others now working under the authority of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act, 1986. Owners and … Batchelor, G. R. ( 1991 ) instructions on resetting your password Road Cambridge... Unsurprisingly, they are the most common laboratory animal that meet physical, behavioral, and Interventions, Reinhardt! May require an individual approach to increasing housing standards as much as possible management procedures, blood, feces and/or... Welfare, both of which impact scientific validity previous studies space to permit group housing on Floor and! Principles developed by Wilson & Jungner ( 1968 ) as rats, and veterinary clinics Andrew 's,! Lift rabbits for sociability with humans during the immediate postnatal period means the.: Journal of the Institute of handling of rabbit in laboratory welfare be challenging especially since facilities may be freeze... 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