Appendix 10: Example Phenotype Report for Genetically Modified Animals

This is Appendix 10 of the Code of Practice for the Housing and Care of Laboratory Mice, Rats, Guinea Pigs and Rabbits.

The main purpose of this report is to assist with the monitoring and assessment of the impact of genetic modification upon the health and welfare of the affected animals. Please provide information consistent with this purpose (ie detailed descriptions of in vitro methodology are not desired).

Please use lay language or provide glossary definitions.

Project Details

  1. Dept AEC Project No.:

  1. OGTR/IBC Ref. No.

  1. Project Title:
 
  1. Start Date*:

Finish Date*:

 
  1. Chief Investigator:
 

Department:

 

* Relates to approved projects.

Animal Details

  1. GM Animal Species:
 

* Strain/genetic description:

 

Background Strain:

 

Source:
(ie in-house or specified external laboratory source)

 

What is the health profile of the source colony? Provide the most recent serology report

 

How much is known about the biological characteristics/phenotype of this strain?

Indicate by selecting one of the following:

  • Well characterised
  • Partially-characterised/some information available
  • Unknown

DECLARATION BY CHAIRPERSON OF AEC
I certify that this report has been considered and accepted by the Animal Ethics Committee at the meeting on ................................(date)

............................................. ............................... .................................
Chairperson's signature AEC Date

Glossary

Word

Lay explanation

  
  

7. Genetic alteration:

(Briefly describe which gene has been added /deleted/ altered)

 

Affected organs/tissues:
(eg gene expressed in liver only)

 

Is animal health, welfare, breeding or lifespan likely to be affected?

 

What abnormalities are known to exist (or do you expect) in these animals?

 

Clinical Observations Comparison of modified/cloned animals with non-modified littermates is desirable.

Phenotype:

  • Supply a record of clinical observations made on a representative sample of the GM animal(s).
    Observations which are to be included can be found in an Animal Monitoring Sheet.
  • Minimum period for observation record is 3 months; life-long data to be included where possible. If supplying "average" data, indicate number of animals observed and a measure of the variability of the data.
  • Briefly detail any other observations which have been made to characterise the new strain (ie behaviour, physiology, reproductive or developmental measures)
 

Minimisation of Pain or Distress

  • Describe any adverse affects, pain or distress, and/or unexpected mortality, the causes if known and how these problems were resolved. If none this should be indicated.
 

Special husbandry or animal care requirements specific for the new GM strain.

  • If these are necessary, please provide details.
 

Humane euthanasia and experimental endpoint criteria.

  • What objective criteria will be used to determine when an animal will be humanely killed or removed from an experimental study prematurely?
 

Please note, a 'Request for Minor Amendment' must be submitted to your Animal Ethics Committee on the current form if:

  • you anticipate using greater numbers than requested; or
  • there have there been any minor changes in procedure; or
  • there have been any changes to personnel/staff changes including new honours/PhD students.

If the modifications to procedures are considered significant you will be required to complete a new application.

CERTIFICATION OF THE CHIEF INVESTIGATOR

Signature signifies that the Chief Investigator understands the requirements of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 & Regulations 2019 and the NHMRC Australian code of practice for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes governing the use of animals for research and teaching. Signature further certifies that the investigator will continue to conduct the project in full compliance with the aforementioned requirements.

Signature of Chief Investigator Date

__________________________________________

Page last updated: 15 Jul 2020