Cage Washer to Support Diverse Research Programs in a Centralized Animal Facility

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The Central Animal Facility (CAF) is a 2 story building built in 1973, to provide centralized animal housing for a variety of species. The investigators described in this proposal are located in 6 departments across 4 colleges at the University of Guelph and utilize a variety of large and small animal research models. Over the last 40 years, the CAF has undergone numerous renovations to remain flexible in supporting the complex demands of multispecies and multiuser research programs within a centralized facility. With an increasing demand to support the use of animal models, especially genetically modified rodent models, there is an urgent need to replace the original non-functional cage washer and support the aging functional cage washer within the CAF. Cage processing and decontamination equipment are beyond question the most important components in maintaining bio-security in an animal facility. The current application addresses the critical need to replace the original cage washer, to allow the CAF to operate in a safe manner and to efficiently clean an increasingly large number of rodent cages. Renovations to electrical systems, ventilation, flooring and walls are included to complement the equipment request, and these costs will be covered by the University. Research programs supported by this proposed equipment not only contribute to advances in our fundamental understanding of biological processes but also to translational therapies for diseases that improve the lives of Canadians.