Care and welfare of animals in a high containment unit (2025)

Carder, L.

Abstract

The Pirbright Institute is a world-leading centre of excellence in the research and surveillance of viral diseases of livestock and viruses that spread from animals to humans. In this field some animal models cannot be replaced and due to the nature of the work, they must be housed in a containment unit to protect the environment and other animals from the viruses worked with. Our high containment building is designed to contain viruses up to and including specified animal pathogen order (SAPO) 4 and advisory committee of dangerous pathogens (ACDP) 2. It contains 14 animal rooms which can house a variety of large and small animal species. The design and biosecurity barrier requirements pose challenges to the care and welfare of animals housed within. Below these challenges are outlined as well as how they have been overcome.