Certificate in Laboratory Animal Science

Please view the general documents to obtain copies of:

Timetable
B.1: Guidance Notes for candidates on general requirements.
G. Role of Advisers to Certificate Candidates.

The following papers are enclosed:

B.2: Specific Guidance Notes for the Certificate. These notes explain what is
required in terms of experience and in terms of the content of the
Certificate examinations.

C: Syllabus and Commentary for the Certificate.

D: Reading list.

E: Application Forms E.1A, E.2.

E.1A - for specific details of practice

E1B – Details of Veterinary Centre in which gaining experience

E.2 - for final approval of experience and for permission to submit an

entry to the examination

A copy of the most recent Examination Question Paper is enclosed for your
information.

April 2011

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 B.2 - 2011

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons

Specialisation and Further Education

THE CERTIFICATE IN LABORATORY ANIMAL SCIENCE

SPECIFIC GUIDANCE NOTES FOR CANDIDATES

[These notes must be read in conjunction with the B1 General Guidance Notes to
Candidates]

MEMBERSHIP OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS

1. It is not a requirement of the Laboratory Animal Science Board that candidates

entering for the Certificate are Members of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
(MsRCVS), although they will need to hold an approved veterinary degree.

AIM

2. The Board urges candidates to attend as many appropriate short courses as possible,
and to join relevant associations and attend their meetings - thereby making useful
contacts with a view to gaining additional experience. The aim for the general
practitioner is to have sufficient experience to be credible in a laboratory situation,
e.g. in the handling of animals, identification of diseases, and advising in the light of
the needs of the laboratory and the animals. The practical aspect is particularly
important at Certificate level: if, for example, candidates are not able to demonstrate
their proficiency in practical handling and sexing of laboratory animals, they may fail
the whole examination.

3. The Board wishes to emphasise to candidates the importance of the requirement of a

candidate's familiarity of basic husbandry and of the ability to demonstrate
competence in the handling techniques of appropriate species.

SPECIFIC EXPERIENCE

4. Entry to the examination is restricted to those who have been veterinary graduates for
at least two years.

Approved Centre Route:

5. Candidates following the approved centre route will not be permitted to enter for the
examination until they have been Member of the College or held an approved
veterinary qualification for at least two years and have gained experience in the
subject over at least one year full-time or two years’ part-time.

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6. Applications for approval of a Centre must be made directly by the Centre to the
RCVS and not by the candidate. An application form can be obtained from the RCVS,
where applicable.

Approved Practice Route

7. Candidates following the approved practice route will not be permitted to enter for the
examination until they have been Members of the College or held an approved
veterinary qualification for at least three years, and have gained experience in the
subject over at least two years or three years part time.

8. Details should be provided on the candidate application form about the veterinary
practice or other area of veterinary employment where the applicant is gaining
experience by, for example, holding consultancy/advisory appointments - giving
advice to breeding establishments, research institutes, etc., - and being involved in the
care and treatment of laboratory animals generally including small exotic animals - see
syllabus and commentary thereon. It should be recognised that all species of animals
commonly met in general practice can be laboratory animals, thus contributing to
relevant experience, but that additional experience and training would be required in
the commonly used small rodents, rabbits, etc., and in the general concepts of
laboratory animal science.

9. There is no separate application Form other than the candidate application forms
enclosed within this Information Pack. Practices are approved for each individual
candidate.

10. The Board has discretion to increase the requirements for experience for any
candidate above the minimum specified if it is considered to benefit the candidate.

11. Experience offered must have been obtained within the previous five years, or after
enrolment, and no period of experience can be offered to meet the requirements for
more than one RCVS Certificate/Diploma. Applicants should, preferably, be studying
for no more than one qualification at a time.

12. Prospective experience is permitted for this Certificate and is taken as the period up to
the time of the written examination in July.

THE EXAMINATION

13. The examination consists of three Sections:

(a) Submitted work comprising a Case Book in two Sections.

Section 1: ‘A Diary Log’ and Section 2: 6 Cases.
(b) TWO x 2 hour written papers, and
(c) an oral and practical examination.

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SUBMITTED WORK FOR EXAMINATION

Number and Format

14. Section 1: The Diary Log. This should cover a concise account of activities that
represent the candidate’s involvement in laboratory animal science over a 6 month
period if working part-time OR a 2 month period if working full-time and should not
bear the candidate’s name.

15. The ‘diary log of events’ section should reflect the candidate's frequent attention to the
health and welfare of laboratory animals and, in this respect, should give a clear
perspective of the number of times animal facilities were visited and the purpose of
each visit, i.e. whether it was for a routine visit or for a specific incident. Mention
might also be made of problems presented by stock animals, and the conduct of
routine visits. An important element of the submitted work is that it should also
include details of any scientific meetings and courses attended, and will also mention
specific advice given to research workers and the management at the establishment on
animal health and welfare matters in general. This section of the submitted work
should not solely be a record of medical or surgical case histories, but should reflect
the totality of observations, advice, and actions that demonstrate regular active
participation in a health and welfare service for laboratory animal species.

16. Section 2: The 6 cases. These should also not bear the candidate's name, and must
reflect a candidate's regular participation in work concerned with laboratory animal
species.

17. It is also essential to explain in some depth how problems were approached and
resolved, and for this purpose the second, separate, section of the case book will
comprise an account of at least six events that will be recorded and discussed in more
detail, and outline what type of problem(s) the work presented. Events should be
selected which are examples of laboratory animal sciences rather than general
veterinary medicine. Each of the 6 case events should be approximately the length of
a short communication i.e. 500 - 1000 words including references and illustrations
where appropriate, to reflect the range of the types of events from a candidate's total
experience and/or the range of duties of 'The Named Veterinary Surgeon' e.g.

i. a clinical case iii. provision of a training course

ii. a management case iv. Advice to Licensees.

18. The form of the records contained in the case book will depend on the confidentiality
that is judged to be necessary. It is recognised by the Board that veterinary surgeons
who are employees or consultants for commercial firms may find some imposed
constraints in reporting, because public knowledge or perceptions of certain events
could lead to legal, financial or other damage to the client's reputation or finances. It
is the Board’s belief, however, that it should be possible to submit a case report in a

4
 manner that assists the assessment of the candidate's experience and capabilities but
in a way, which does not compromise the interests of the client or employer. The
candidate is advised to consider this requirement and, if appropriate, discuss
confidentiality with the employer or client. The Board can also offer advice on this
matter on an individual basis.

19. No names or other means of identifying premises or persons should be used in the
casebook. Candidates are asked to submit an electronic version of their submitted
work together with their hard copy. This will be retained at RCVS unless requested
by the examiners for purposes such as checking the word count. The electronic
version should be Microsoft Office 2000 or XP compatible and should be submitted
on CD. Please ensure that the disks are easily identifiable by placing them in an
envelope with your name, and ‘Electronic version of submitted work for Certificate
in Laboratory Animal Science’ marked clearly on the front.

Word Count

20. Each of the 6 case events should be approximately the length of a short
communication i.e. 500 - 1000 words per case (maximum of 6,000 words excluding
references appendices and tables).

Grading Scheme

21. The submitted work will be graded “Good Pass”; “Pass” or “Fail”.

Case Book
i. Diary Log 10
ii. 6 Cases 90
Total Marks 100

22. Certificate work that achieves a “Good Pass” may be used as an example for
prospective candidates.

WRITTEN EXAMINATION

23. Candidates are warned that answers should be given specifically and that illegible
handwriting may result in examiners being unable to award marks for information
which candidates intended to convey.

Format

24. This section of the examination consists of TWO written papers. Paper I (2 hours) will
consist of 4 out of 6 essay-type questions and Paper II (2 hours) will consist of 12
compulsory questions.

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Marks Scheme:

25. Paper l will be marked out of 50 marks

Paper ll will be marked out of 50 marks
Total Marks for this Section (b) = 100 marks

ORAL AND PRACTICAL EXAMINATION

Format

26. The oral and practical examination lasts for one hour for each candidate and is
composed of three parts. Candidates will be expected to have a thorough knowledge
of infectious diseases. This will apply to either the Practical or the Spot tests.

27. Section 1: Spot tests consist of a selection of 35 mm colour slides, photographs, items
of equipment and other material relevant to the broad field of laboratory animal
science and technology. Candidates are asked written questions based on this
material. Normally 10-15 short-answer questions are set.

28. Section 2: Requires that the candidate demonstrates practical abilities in animal
handling. Typically, candidates are required to handle and restrain a range of
common laboratory species. Candidates will be asked to assess the age, sex and the
bodyweight of the animals and describe simple clinical manipulations.

29. Section 3: The oral examination is conducted by all examiners, who assess the
candidates' knowledge of laboratory animal science. Some questions in this section
may arise from material in the case-dairy provided by the candidate.

Marks Scheme

30. Spot Tests will be marked out of 25 marks

The Practical will be marked out of 25 marks
The Oral examination will be marked out of 50 marks

TOTAL Mark for this Section (c) = 100 marks

31. A candidate will be required to gain at least 50% in this Section of the examination.

SYLLABUS AND READING LIST

32. There is a brief commentary on the syllabus, which gives an indication of the
standard of achievement required of candidates.

33. In view of increased access to the Internet, and the ready availability of on-line
literature searches, the existing reading list was frozen in 2002. In 2-3 years’ time
the list will be withdrawn altogether. In future, candidates will be expected to do

6
 their own research and are encouraged to seek advice on suitable reading matter
from their advisers or through the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Library and
Information Service.

ADVISERS

34. Candidates are advised to look in the back of the RCVS Register of Members for the
names of Certificate and Diploma Holders of Laboratory Animal Science and seek
their agreement to act in this capacity, prior to enrolment or to obtain a list from the
Board Secretary.

35. It is strongly recommended that all candidates have at least one talk with an adviser
during the course of their studies, particularly one who has been an Examiner for the
Certificate in Laboratory Animal Science.

ATTENDANCE AT SHORT COURSES

36. Meetings of interest to candidates are, of course, arranged by the Laboratory Animals
Veterinary Association and other scientific associations. Dates of these meetings and
the courses mentioned above are included in the Calendar of Events, which is
published in "In Practice" and in the "Notes and Comments" section of the journal
"Laboratory Animals".

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION RELATING TO THIS QUALIFICATION

37. The following organisations offer short or modular courses of interest to candidates for
the RCVS Certificate and Diploma in Laboratory Animal Science: -

Laboratory Animals Veterinary Association (LAVA). Short courses related to RCVS

syllabuses.

Royal Veterinary College, University of London - Laboratory Animal Science Unit,

modular course for MSc in Laboratory Animal Science - individual modules can
be taken, or single lectures or series of lectures on a particular topic.

MEMBERSHIP OF VETERINARY ASSOCIATIONS/SOCIETIES

38. Enrolled candidates are encouraged to become Members of relevant societies and
associations e.g. Laboratory Animal Veterinary Association, and attend meetings.
Please contact the LAVA secretary for further information.

secretary@lava-vet.org

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ABBREVIATION FOR QUALIFICATION

39. Successful candidates are permitted to use the abbreviation "CertLAS" after their
names, in the RCVS Register and Directory, on practice plate, stationery, etc.

Originated: November 1995; Revised December 1996, Further revised after Council - March 1997, Revised Nov 1997/Nov
1998/ Nov 1999 Nov 2001, Nov 2002, November 2003, November 2004. Last revised April 2008.

8
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons

C
SYLLABUS FOR THE CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION IN
LABORATORY ANIMAL SCIENCE

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 The Syllabus and reading list for the Certificate of Laboratory Animal Science is
intended to guide candidates to a course of study which will extend the
knowledge gained as undergraduates and practitioners into the specific practical
and scientific aspects of veterinary work with animals produced and used for
scientific purposes.

1.2 The level of competence and depth of knowledge required to pass the
examination will be that which could be reasonably expected of a veterinary
graduate of 3 years standing with appropriate post-graduate experience, as defined
in the byelaws, who has carefully studied the publications in the reading list and
who has continued their professional development by reading of relevant journal
articles and attendance at courses such as those run by LAVA or LASA.

1.3 It is the College's aim that holders of the Certificate in Laboratory Animal Science
will be recognised by scientists, technicians and others working with laboratory
animals as being as competent in the giving of advice on health and welfare as
would be expected of veterinarians giving advice to a farmer or pet-owner.
Certificate holders should be fully able to fulfil the duties of a Named Veterinary
Surgeon as laid down by the College.

2. SUBJECTS IN THE SYLLABUS

2.1 The biology, nutrition, management and husbandry of laboratory animals.

2.2 Laboratory animal breeding, including principles of genetics and practical aspects.

2.3 Diseases of laboratory animals.

2.4 Ethical and legal aspects of work with laboratory animals, including a detailed
understanding of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986.

2.5 Anaesthesia, analgesia, surgery and common experimental and husbandry

procedures performed on laboratory animals. The main uses of laboratory
animals.

2.6 Candidates must be competent in handling, sexing and estimating the age of
common laboratory animals. Candidates who fail to demonstrate such
competence are liable to fail the whole examination irrespective of marks gained
in other sections.

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3. SPECIES TO BE STUDIED

Candidates should aim for a detailed knowledge of the areas covered by the
Syllabus for the following species:

Rat
Mouse
Rabbit
Guinea Pig
Hamster

Species less commonly encountered will be examined with respect to important

applied aspects for example:

Primates (ethical aspects, environmental enrichment, zoonoses)

Gerbils, ferrets, non-mammals (including invertebrates) (common and
important diseases, basic husbandry, main uses)

Species covered by the veterinary undergraduate curriculum which are important

in the laboratory (dog, cat, sheep, goat, pig) are also included. Candidates should
concentrate on those aspects relevant to the use of these animals as laboratory
species.

4. COMMENTARY ON THE SYLLABUS FOR THE CERTIFICATE IN LABORATORY

ANIMAL SCIENCE

4.1 Biology, Nutrition, Management and Husbandry

Candidates should understand the taxonomy of laboratory animals and be familiar

with their anatomy and physiology in so far as this has clinical relevance.
Candidates must be able to recognise normal structures both in life and post-
mortem and know the variation in normal anatomy between species, with age and
stage of oestrus etc.

Practical aspects will be emphasised in the examination. Candidates are much

more likely to be asked about the venous drainage of the rat's tail or the rabbit's
ear than about structures not used for procedures or which are unaffected by
common or important disease processes.

Similarly study of laboratory animal physiology should concentrate on those

aspects with practical relevance such as heart rates, tidal volumes, blood volume
etc. Candidates must know the basic breeding biology of laboratory species.

Nutrition should be studied with respect to what animals naturally eat and what
they are fed in laboratories. The physical presentation of diets, alterations during
processing and storage and species variation in nutritional requirements, where
these impact on clinical disease are the important aspects.

Management and husbandry of laboratory animals requires detailed study.

Candidates must have a sound knowledge of animal house design, ventilation,

10
 heating and lighting; the design and construction of cages, racks, space
requirements, bedding, etc.

Candidates must be familiar with different management systems (barrier,

conventional) and how personnel must use such systems. Important relevant
legislation such as the Health and Safety at Work Act should be understood.

The principles and practice of gnotobiosis, quality of laboratory animals, quality

control of animals, bedding and diet should be understood.

4.2 Breeding and Genetics

Candidates must know the principles and practice of the breeding of common
laboratory species, including breeding systems, interpretation of vaginal smears,
breeding data, record systems.

Practical genetics, such as definitions of inbred, congenic, coisogenic strains etc

and the genetic monitoring of these must be understood.

Candidates will be expected to have a good basic understanding of genetically

manipulated animals.

4.3 Diseases of Laboratory Animals

The Syllabus covers the full range of laboratory animal diseases, should be studied
in depth with particular attention to important or common diseases.

Candidates are not expected to know details of viral morphology, histopathology

or bacteriological diagnosis, but will be expected to recognise necropsy lesions of
common diseases and these may well be presented with confirmatory
histopathology in the practical examination.

Principles of disease monitoring, zoonotic disease, principles of prevention and

control are particularly important.

The examination may include important laboratory animal diseases which have
received recent prominence in the general veterinary press.

In addition a broad, but less deep knowledge of less commonly encountered

species and less important diseases is required. For these the examination will
concentrate on principles of diagnosis, treatment, control and prevention of
disease in the less commonly encountered species.

4.4 Ethics and Law

Candidates must have a thorough understanding and have extensive knowledge of

the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 and its interactions with the relevant
portions of the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966.

A less detailed knowledge, but sound understanding of any other UK or European

legislation affecting laboratory animal work is required.

11
 For example:

Health and Safety at Work

Good Laboratory Practice
Protection of Animals Act
Transport regulations etc
Guidelines published in Journals such as Laboratory Animals or the
Veterinary Record should be studied.

Candidates should understand the ethics of using animals in experiments, in

particular the principles of reduction, refinement and replacement and the
application of cost/benefit analysis to judging the acceptability of research
projects.

4.5 Anaesthesia, Analgesia, Surgery, Common Procedures and Uses of Laboratory

Animals

Candidates will be assessed for their ability to give advice to licensees on suitable
anaesthetic and analgesia regimes, perioperative care, operative technique. They
are expected to be familiar with common procedures ranging from simple gavage
to bile duct cannulation. In the practical examination recognition of commonly
used equipment is a frequent requirement.

5. SUMMARY

A list of subjects composing a Syllabus can appear daunting. It is important

therefore to stress that the Certificate Examination is intended to be within the
reach of a general practitioner involved in laboratory animal work. The
examination will assess whether the candidate has studied the publications in the
reading list, is familiar with important recent developments in the field is a
competent and sympathetic handler of laboratory animals and is able to fulfil the
requirements of the College's guidance for Named Veterinary Surgeons.
Candidates who meet these criteria will be successful.

Originated Sept. 1988

Revised May 1991
Revised November 1995
Revised November 1997
Revised November 2001

12
ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS D
Specialisation and Further Education

CERTIFICATE IN LABORATORY ANIMAL SCIENCE

Candidates should note that the reading list for Laboratory animal Science was frozen
in 2002 and will eventually be withdrawn. Candidates are expected to research the
literature for themselves and are recommended to make use of the RCVS Library and
Information Service for this purpose (http://www.rcvslibrary.org.uk, e-mail -
library@rcvs.org.uk or telephone 020 7222 2021). Candidates should also seek advice
on suitable reading matter from their advisers.

Suggested reading list for candidates for the Certificate in Laboratory Animal
Science.

A. Guidelines, Policy Statements, etc

Animal Procedures Committee Reports

Home Office (2000). Guidance on the Operation of the Animals (Scientific Procedures)
Act, 1986. ISBN 0 10 556 706-X.

INSTITUTE OF ANIMAL TECHNOLOGY(1998) NACWO Named Animal Care and

Welfare Officer Guidelines.

Home Office publications as is but reference the Home Office web site:
www.homeoffice.gov.uk/abcu.htm
Contains information about the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act, 1986 and application
forms Certificate of Designation, Personal and project licences which should be obtained
and read by candidates.

Home Office (1989). Code of Practice for the Housing and Care of Animals Used in
Scientific Procedures. HMSO. ISBN 010-210-7890.

Home Office (1995). Code of Practice for the Housing and Care of Animals in
Designated Breeding & Supplying Establishments. HMSO. ISBN 0-10-212595-3.

Home Office (1997) Code of Practice. The Humane Killing of Animals under Schedule 1
to the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. HMSO ISBN 0-10-265397-6

Education and Training of Personnel Under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act,
1986. Statement of Home Office Policy, February 1993. (Also published in Report of the
Animal Procedures Committee for 1992. HMSO. CM 2301).

Selection and Use of replacement methods in Animal experimentation. (1998)

Published jointly by FRAME and UFAW. ISBN 0 900767 98 7

UKCCCR (1997) Guidelines for the Welfare of Animals in Experimental Neoplasia(2nd

Edition) UKCCCR, POBox 123, Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London. WW2 3PX

13
RCVS WORKING PARTY REPORT (1994) The use of animals in clinical teaching and
Research. RCVS

ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS AND BRITISH VETERINARY

ASSOCIATION (1999). Guidelines for Veterinary Surgeons Employed in Scientific
Procedure Establishments and Breeding & Supplying Establishments.

JONES B (1994). The Supply of Non-Human Primates for Use in Research & Testing.
Welfare Implications and Opportunities for Change, RSPCA, Horsham.
Welfare of Animals (Transport) Order 1997. HMSO. ISBN 01 105 234 66.

Guidelines for the care of laboratory animals in transit (1993). Laboratory Animals 27, 93-
107.

‘It should be recognised that legislation can change, as can the Home Office guidance
on and interpretation of legislation. Therefore candidates must appreciate that they
should make every effort to keep up-to-date with current legislation and guidelines as
they will be questioned on the latest versions in the examination.’

B. Textbooks ( * = Required Reading)

(N.B Many of these books are essentially reference books for preparing for the exam)

*FLECKNELL P (1996). Laboratory Animal Anaesthesia. 2nd Edition. Academic Press.

*HARKNESS J E AND WAGNER J E (1995). The Biology and Medicine of Rabbits and
Rodents. Philadelphia:Lea and Febiger. ISBN 0-683-039199.

THE INSTITUTE OF ANIMAL TECHNOLOGY (1988). The Principles of Animal

Technology. The Institute of Animal Technology.

LABER-LAIRD K, SWINDLE M, FLECKNELL P A (1996). Handbook of Rodent and Rabbit

Medicine. Elsevier Science Ltd.

OKERMAN L (1994). Diseases of Domestic Rabbits. Blackwell Scientific Publications.

ISBN 0-632-02254-X.

*TUFFERY A A (Ed) (1995). Laboratory Animals. An Introduction for Animal

Experimenters.2nd Edition. J Wiley & Sons. ISBN 0-471-95257-5.

UFAW (1987). Handbook on the Care and Management of Laboratory Animals. 6th
Edition Longman Scientific & Technical. ISBN 0-582-40911X.

WAYNFORTH H B AND FLECKNELL P A (1992). Experimental and Surgical Technique

in the Rat. 2nd Edition. Academic Press. ISBN 0-12-738851-6.

*WOLFENSOHN AND LLOYD (1994) 1998. Handbook of Laboratory Animal

Management and Welfare. Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-854832-x.

SMITH J (1991). Lives in the Balance. Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-854744-7.

14
PINKERT C A (1994). Transgenic Animal Technology: A Laboratory Handbook.
Academic Press. ISBN 0 12 557165 8

PERCY D H AND BARTHOLD S W (1993) Pathology of Laboratory rodents and rabbits.

Iowa State University Press. ISBN 0 12 417508

VAN ZUTPHEN L F M, BAUMANS V AND BEYNEN A C(1993) Principles of Laboratory

Animal Science. Elsevier Science Publishers. ISBN 0 444 81487 6

C. Important Published Papers

ASSOCIATION OF VETERINARY TEACHERS AND RESEARCH WORKERS (1986).

Guidelines for the Recognition and Assessment of Pain in Animals. Veterinary Record,
118, 334-338.

MORTON D B and GRIFFITHS P H M (1985). Guidelines on the Recognition of Pain,

Distress and Discomfort in Experimental Animals and an Hypothesis for assessment.
Veterinary Record, 116, 431-436.

Baker d g (1998) Natural Pathogens of Laboratory Mice, Rats and Rabbits and their
effects on Research. Clinical Microbiology Reviews, 11,2,pp 231 - 266

BVA/FRAME/RSPCA/UFAW JOINT WORKING GROUP ON REFINEMENT (1993 &

1994) Removal of blood from laboratory mammals and birds. Laboratory Animals 27, 1
- 22 and 28, 178 - 179

BVA/FRAME/RSPCA/UFAW JOINT WORKING GROUP ON REFINEMENT (1993)

Refinements in rabbit Husbandry. Laboratory Animals 27,301 - 329

MONAMY V (1996) Animal Experimentation: A Student Guide to Balancing the Issues.

ANZCCART

MORRIS T H (1995) Antibiotic therapeutics in laboratory animals. Laboratory Animals

29,16

RUSSELL W M S AND BURCH R L (1992) The Principles of Humane Experimental

Technique. Special Edition UFAW ISBN 0 900767 78 2

D. Journals for Regular Reading

BLAVA Briefing. The official publication of the British Laboratory Animal Veterinary
Association.

Animal Technology. The journal of the Institute of Animal Technology.

Laboratory Animals. Publ. by Royal Society of Medicine Press for Laboratory Animals Ltd.

Laboratory Animal Science. Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Aninal
Science.

15
Laboratory Animal Science Association Newsletter

Boyd Group Papers

"Ethical Review of Research Involving Animals" March 1995

Useful Websites:
Animal Procedures Committee (contains all recent publications): http://www.apc.gov.uk

Boyd Group: http://www.boyd-group.demon.co.uk

Home Office Animal Procedures Section (includes latest versions of all codes of practice
and other documents): http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/ccpd/aps.html

Laboratory Animals Limited (articles on refinement and links to a number of resources):

http://www.lal.org.uk/laban.html

RCVS: http://www.rcvs.org.uk

Originated circa 1983

Revised February 1991
Revised November 1995
Revised December 1996
Revised November 1997
Revised November 1998
Revised November 2000
Revised November 2001

16
 E.1A
PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU COMPLETE A FORM E1
(TO BE FOUND IN THE COMMON DOCUMENTS AND ATTACH IT TO THIS FORM)

Details of the veterinary practice or other veterinary centre in which experience is being
gained over at least two calendar years to meet the requirements of the byelaws for the
Certificate in Laboratory Animal Science:

(If more than one practice or centre please photocopy this form and complete in respect of
each such practice)

Points to consider if applying under the ‘Approved Centre’ route:

Key requirements for recognition as an Approved Centre are:

a. A candidate should be working primarily in the subject (full time of at least 30

hours per week)
b. There should be a suitably qualified colleague present to supervise training (e.g.
Diplomate or Specialist).
c. The caseload should be of sufficient quantity and quality (e.g. to occupy at least
two persons full time)
d. There should be appropriate ancillary support facilities (e.g. laboratories,
equipment or instruments necessary for the specialty)
e. There should be adequate library facilities.

1. Name of practice or centre and address

2. Date of joining the practice or centre

(and date of leaving if appropriate)

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3. Please describe the nature of your duties, which are relevant to the syllabus for
the Certificate (see also para.3 of the Supplementary Notes). You should give a
resumé of the type of experience being gained, which you consider relevant, and
include a list of the species encountered, and the approx. numbers of animals with
which you are concerned in regard to their care and treatment, including any
surgical treatment.

4. Please state the approximate percentage of your working time which is spent as
described above.

5. Please list below any other involvement in laboratory animal science, including
membership of relevant associations, attendance at short courses, meetings,
symposia, etc. (If you are, at the same time, submitting form E.2, you need not
complete this section of this form.)

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6. Please state where and how you have been/are obtaining the necessary
experience in the field of laboratory animal science as a veterinary surgeon over
periods of time (Please refer to Document B.2) which may be:

(i) in general practice or other veterinary centre over at least two calendar
years YES / NO

If YES, please complete attached Form E.1A

(ii) in a veterinary centre over at least one calendar year on a full-time basis
YES / NO

If yes, please complete Form E.1B

You are asked to describe your experience in such a way that the Board can assess
its adequacy in terms of the syllabus.

Please state here the period(s) of experience to be offered for the Certificate
examination (from/to):

Signature

Date

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 E.1B
Details of the veterinary centre in which experience is being gained on a full-time basis
over at least one calendar year to meet the requirements of the byelaws for the Certificate
in Laboratory Animal Science:

(If more than one centre please photocopy this form and complete in respect of each such
centre)

1. Name of veterinary centre and address

2. Description of your post (i.e. title) and date of taking up employment at the centre
(and date of leaving if appropriate):

3. Names of senior colleagues (and positions held) to whom reference MAY be made
by the Board:

4. Brief description of the work of the centre, including the species held and their
approximate numbers:

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5. Description of your personal involvement in the work of the centre as relevant to
the syllabus for the Certificate:

6. Brief description of your other duties:

7. Note of any veterinary work undertaken prior to joining the centre. Give dates
and a brief description in each instance.

8. Please state where and how you have been/are obtaining the necessary
experience in the field of laboratory animal science as a veterinary surgeon over
periods of time (Please refer to Document B.2) which may be:

(i) in general practice or other veterinary centre over at least two calendar
years YES/NO

If YES, please complete attached Form E.1A

(ii) in a veterinary centre over at least one calendar year on a full-time basis
YES/NO

If YES, please complete Form E.1B

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 You are asked to describe your experience in such a way that the Board can assess
its adequacy in terms of the syllabus.

Please state here the period(s) of experience to be offered for the Certificate
examination (from/to):

Signature

Date

22
THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS E.2
Specialisation and Further Education

CERTIFICATE IN LABORATORY ANIMAL SCIENCE

Application for FINAL approval of experience and for permission to submit an entry to
the next examination

to be completed and returned to the RCVS, Belgravia House, 62-64 Horseferry Road,
London SW1P 2AF by 1 November prior to the examination which you wish to enter.
NO LATE APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED.

1. TITLE

2. NAME in full (block letters)

3. DEGREES/DIPLOMAS/CERTIFICATES in
abbrev.form

4. ADDRESS for all correspondence (block letters)

5. TELEPHONE NO(s) for contact during day

FAX NO(s) for contact during day

EMAIL

6. DATE OF ENROLMENT (MONTH/YEAR)

7. PERIODS OF EXPERIENCE BEING OFFERED to meet the requirements of the

byelaws

(a) Part-time: (where the applicant is gaining experience over a period of at

least two calendar years (or the equivalent cumulative period) by, for
example, holding consultancy/advisory appointments and being involved
in the care and treatment of laboratory animals generally including small
exotic animals)

(b) Full-time: (over at least one year)

23
 Veterinary Practice or Period of employment Certified by employer
Centre (from/to)
(name and address)

If there has been any change in the work-load of the practice/centre, or in your personal
work-load, since you applied for enrolment, please give details below:

8. ATTENDANCE AT RELEVANT SHORT COURSES

Title of course attended:

Dates and venue:

9. OTHER INVOLVEMENT IN RELATION TO LABORATORY ANIMAL SCIENCE

List any attendances at relevant congresses, conferences, meetings, symposia, etc.,

with dates:

Please send a photocopy of your RCVS CPD Record Card covering the period of
experience being offered)

24
10. PUBLICATIONS/ARTICLES/PAPERS/LECTURES
Give details below (including any involvement in the instruction of others):

11. OTHER POSTGRADUATE STUDIES

During the period of experience being offered, have you been or are you studying
for any other postgraduate qualification? YES / NO
If yes, please give brief details:

12. I HEREBY APPLY FOR APPROVAL OF EXPERIENCE AND FOR PERMISSION TO

SUBMIT AN ENTRY TO THE NEXT CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION IN
LABORATORY ANIMAL SCIENCE.
I certify that the period of experience being offered has not been/is not being
offered to meet the requirements of the byelaws for any other RCVS Certificate or
Diploma.

13. CONFIRMATION OF INTENT TO SIT THE EXAMINATION

If approval of experience is granted, I do/do not (delete as appropriate)
intend to submit an entry to the next examination.

Signature Date

Please enclose SAE for acknowledgement

25
THE FOLLOWING SECTION SHOULD BE COMPLETED BY YOUR ADVISER.

I confirm that I am acting as this candidate's Adviser.

Name
(block capitals)

Signature Date

26
 THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS

CERTIFICATE IN LABORATORY ANIMAL SCIENCE

TUESDAY 20 JULY 2010

PAPER I
(2 hours)

Candidates are required to answer ALL TWELVE of the following questions.

Allow 10 minutes per question.

Illegible handwriting or failure to answer the question in the form requested may result
in examiners being unable to award marks for information which candidates intended to
convey.
_________________________________________________________________________

1. What is an ‘individually ventilated cage’?

State THREE advantages and THREE disadvantages of their use in housing mice.

2. Write short notes on water quality parameters that should be monitored in a

facility housing zebrafish (Danio rerio). Choose ONE of these parameters and
discuss actions that would be taken if outwith the recommended range.

3. Define the following terms with regard to genetically altered mice:

a. Inbred strain.

b. Harmful mutant.

4. Write short notes on the methods available for genetic monitoring of inbred
lines of rodents.

5. Name the common pinworms that infect laboratory mice. Briefly discuss
methods of detection and options for eradication from a colony.

6. Write short notes on contamination of biological materials in rodent units, with

particular reference to materials that might be contaminated, common
contaminating agents and how to manage the associated risks.

P.T.O. for Questions 7 - 12

7. i. Define “reuse” and “continued use” in the context of the Animals
(Scientific Procedures) Act 1986.

27
 ii. Give ONE circumstance when this restriction does not apply.

8. Write short notes on carbon dioxide euthanasia in rats and mice.

9. Write short notes on:

i. Avertin (tribromoethanol) in mice.

ii. Hyponorm (Fentanyl/fluanisone)/Hypnovel (midazolam) in rabbits.

10. List methods for monitoring anaesthesia in a marmoset. What are the main risks
associated with anaesthesia in these animals?

11. List appropriate sites for obtaining blood samples from the following species:

i. Mice.
ii. Xenopus laevis.
iii. Marmosets.
iv. Guinea pigs.

12. List potential adverse effects for the following:

i. oral gavage in mice

ii. jugular cannulation in rats
iii. non-surgical harvesting of oocytes from Xenopus laevis

________

28
 The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons

CERTIFICATE IN LABORATORY ANIMAL SCIENCE

TUESDAY 20 JULY 2010

PAPER ll
(2 hours)

Candidates are required to answer FOUR of the following SIX questions.

Allow 30 minutes per question.

Illegible handwriting or failure to answer the question in the form requested may result
in examiners being unable to award marks for information which candidates intended to
convey.
_________________________________________________________________________

1. Define environmental enrichment and explain why it is important for laboratory

animals. Describe possible enrichment strategies, including advantages and
disadvantages for:

a. rabbits

b. mice.

2. List the most common methods of producing genetically altered mice. Discuss
ethical and welfare concerns associated with the production and use of such mice
and what refinements should be put in place for improving their welfare.

3. Describe the means by which infection can gain access to a specific pathogen free
rodent unit. Discuss the possible means for preventing infection, with respect to
animal unit design, entry procedures, housing and husbandry.

4. Discuss the role of the Named Veterinary Surgeon in the local Ethical Review
Process, with particular reference to promoting animal welfare and the 3 R’s.

5. A personal licence holder wishes to conduct a recovery laparotomy in rats. Outline

which specific points you would cover in her/his training, with reference to surgical
and aseptic technique and intra- and post-operative monitoring and care.

P.T.O. for Question 6

6. Define what is meant by “humane end-point”. Discuss how humane end-points are
applied to limit the severity of procedures in studies involving TWO out of THREE of
the following:

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a. Aging studies in mice.

a. Tumour growth studies in athymic mice.

b. Infectious disease studies in mice.

________________

30