Facilities

The facility utilises biobubble technology to create a super clean environment for staff and mice. The biobubbles, or portable clean rooms, filter air through HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filtration on a continual basis, 'scrubbing' the air to remove all dust particles potentially carrying disease causing micro-organisms.

In addition, mice are housed in IVC (Individually Ventilated Cage) racks with each cage separately ventilated, minimising the risk of cross contamination. The main animal pavilion can hold up to 11 biobubbles.

All materials coming into contact with the mice, as well as the feed and water, are either sterilised or disinfected. All staff working with the animals wear clean hospital scrubs, facility boots, a hair net, gloves and sterile coats while working with the animals.

Quarantine Area

The quarantine area is located in a separate building and is self-contained with cage wash and sterilisation facilities. The area has four separate holding rooms, two of which form an Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) Quarantine Approved Premise. The quarantine area has HEPA filtration on both inlet and exhaust air as well as IVC racks for mice.

Accreditation

All animal holding areas are accredited by the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) at the PC2 containment level.