The UAB Animal Resources Program is pleased to introduce a rodent Room Entry Order (REO) for the purpose of restricting spread of rodent pathogens.  Here at UAB, we are fortunate to only have two significant rodent pathogens, Helicobacter (hepaticus and bilis) and Mouse Norovirus (MNV).  These agents are not considered pathogens universally, but since both can contribute to experimental variation, the UAB ARP would like to establish an appropriate REO to minimize their spread.

These organisms were present and distributed by commercial and noncommercial sources before they were identified as potential pathogens, and many institutions became infected.   Some institutions do not test for or restrict animals with these agents.  Both have low mortality in immunocompetent rodents, but MNV can cause high mortality in mice with deficient innate immunity.  MNV survives in the environment for up to 3 weeks so, it is easily spread.  Helicobacter, conversely, lives only hours in the environment and is more easily contained.

We can now assign a REO based upon room pathogen status determined by quarterly health surveillance results.  PI's receive these results from their animal room(s) at least every six months but also if room pathogen status changes.  This REO will allow stabilization of room pathogen status and future establishment of specific pathogen free (SPF) areas.  The ARP strongly encourages all animal facility personnel to adhere to this REO as described below. 

• The sentinel sheets posted on the door to each rodent room will now be color coded and indicate the pathogen status of the room.
• Color coded maps of each facility will be posted inside each door to the facility.
• A room entry order list of rooms in each will be posted in within the facility.
• Pathogen status will be represented by color as described in the following chart.

• YELLOW (1) rooms should be entered first.
• GREEN and BLUE (2) rooms have the same REO level because Helicobacter is unstable and difficult to transmit with traffic.  However, animals should not move from a blue room to a green room because this could result in the spread of Helicobacter.
• PINK and PURPLE (3) rooms also have identical REO status, but animals should not be moved from a purple room into a pink room due to the possibility of spreading Helicobacter.
• GREY (4) rooms have unpredictable pathogen status due to additions of animal from multiple rooms of differing status, such as occurs in core rooms used for housing animals from multiple colonies.  Grey rooms may also house animals receiving animal pathogens.  Once animals are housed in a grey room, their movement into another room (green, blue, pink) could introduce pathogen(s) since animal status in a grey room can change based on the nature of the work occurring therein.
• RED (5) rooms are quarantined due to the presence of known or suspected pathogens or BSL III work.  Entry into quarantined rooms will be strictly limited to required personnel, and movement of animals from these rooms must be approved.
• Yellow, green, and blue rooms should not be entered after pink, purple, grey, or red rooms unless all PPE (personal protective equipment) is changed and attempts are made to avoid pathogen spread.
• Special SOPs that are in use will also be posted in the applicable room.