Importing/Exporting Animals

Importing/Exporting Animals

DLAR's Biosecurity Team will facilitate the importation and exportation of live animals, including those that have the potential to become vertebrates, such as sperm, oocytes, and embryos. It is important for the investigator to plan ahead since there are numerous steps that have to be completed by both the sending and receiving institutions. There are charges associated with these requests, and an estimate of the costs can be obtained, along with any other inquiries, questions, or consultations to dlar_import-export@stonybrook.edu.

First, an Import/Export or Custom Mice Order must be placed using our Topaz system. See Animal Ordering (link to Animal Ordering) for instructions. To determine which Animal Order Form to use, see table below:

 

IMPORT Request Form

    
Use this form to request the IMPORT of animals from another institution.
 

 These are coming from Universities or educational entities. Mice have no declared value; they are used for collaboration or sharing for experiments. SBU PI typically covers shipping costs. We will verify an MTA requirement. Rodents will be placed in quarantine on arrival. 
EXPORT Animal Form

Use this form to request EXPORT of your animals from SBU to another institution or vendor.
 

 These are going to universities or educational entities. Mice have no declared value. They are used for collaboration or sharing for experiments. Requesting PI outside of SBU typically covers shipping costs, and MTA is typically required. 
Customized Mice (Special Project Orders)

If you intend to utilize any vendor to create specific mutation(s) in mice, please use this Form.
 

To create specialized mice, you must obtain a quote and attach to your Topaz order. These animals may take months to generate.  We will verify an MTA/COU requirement. Quoted costs MUST BE PAID PRIOR TO SHIPPING. Rodents are placed in quarantine on arrival.

 

Importation of Rodents

  1. The investigator must submit an “IMPORT Request Form” within Topaz > Animal Orders.
     
  2. With the information provided, the DLAR’s Import/Export Coordinator will contact the sending institution to request health information. All health information must be pre-reviewed by the veterinarian. 
     
  3. Quarantine space will be located and reserved to house the incoming animals.
     
  4. The Import/Export Coordinator will contact the sending institution and arrange ground and/or air transportation. The investigator will be contacted regarding the anticipated day of arrival.

 

Quarantine Procedures for Rodents

  1. Healthy rodents approved for shipping will be received and housed in the quarantine area. 
     
  2. All rodents must remain in quarantine until applicable testing returns and veterinarian approves release (one to two weeks after arrival). 
     
  3. Investigators are discouraged from working with or breeding their animals while in quarantine; however, this may be possible with permission from the DLAR Director.

 

Exportation of Rodents

  1. The investigator must submit an “EXPORT” Request Form within Topaz > Animal Orders.
     
  2. With the information provided, the DLAR’s Import/Export Coordinator will contact the receiving institution to submit health information. 
     
  3. If the receiving institution requests additional tests, DLAR will work with the investigator to schedule, collect, and send samples for diagnostic testing. 
     
  4. After the receiving institution approves the shipment, the Import/Export Coordinator will arrange ground and/or air transportation. The investigator will be contacted regarding the anticipated day of shipment.
     
  5. On the day of shipment, the Import/Export Coordinator will properly box all animals and oversee carrier pick-up. 

 

Possible Limitations 

Please be aware that there may be travel restrictions due to extreme weather. The airlines will not accept animals for travel if the ambient temperatures at the shipping and receiving airports are outside <32°F or >80°F.