BIS norms for transport of lab animals

Our Economic Bureau in New Delhi

THE Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has formulated a new code of practices for transport of laboratory animals. For the purpose of biological research and production of vaccines, laboratories and research institutions are required to use animals. Whereas a few of the institutes breed and maintain colonies of laboratory animals, there are others which require these animals to be transported over long distances. The BIS, for this purpose, formulated the standard, IS-14903: 2001 for ensuring code of practices for transport of these animals.

In preparation of this standard, due consideration has been given to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. The standard requires that animals shall be transported in conditions which will ensure their reaching in a fit condition. Any stress or strain in transit will affect the animals, thereby influencing the end results obtained by the research workers. The animals covered in this standard are mice, rats, rabbits, guinea pigs, cotton rats, hamsters, snake and frogs. The standard lays down requirements for ventilation, floor space density, food and water. With the formulation of this new specification the earlier standard IS 3907 : 1977 have now been withdrawn.

BIS has also formulated a new code of practices for transport of livestock vide IS 114904 : 2001. This standard prescribes the conditions for transport of livestock like cattle, sheep, goat and equines by rail, road, air and sea. The code lays down requirements for safety, hygiene and labelling. With the formulation of this new standard the earlier specification IS 41557 stands withdrawn.