Wire-bottom versus solid-bottom rodent caging issues important to scientists and laboratory animal science specialists (2001)

Stark, D. M.

Abstract

This article reviews the results of a recent survey of 12 United States-based pharmaceutical and contract toxicology laboratories.... The 1999 survey showed that more than 80% of the rodents in surveyed toxicology facilities were housed in wire-bottom cages. Long-term budget expenses related to supplies and waste disposal are assessed. Considerable short-term and long-term costs to programs would be associated with a change from wire-bottom to solid-bottom caging.