Research Animal Management Branch
- Joseph M. Schech, DVM, Animal Program Director
- Daniel T. Abebe, MS, Research Technician
- Doreen H. Bartlett, BS, AA, Lab Animal & Fisheries Facilities Manager
- Lauren P. Davidson, DVM, MS, Facility Veterinarian, 6B Shared Animal Facility
- Earnest B. Davis, Assitant Facility Manager/Enrichment Technician, NIHAC Shared Animal Facility
- Julie A. Jacobs, ACUC Coordinator
- Debra D. Lust, BS, Facility Manager, NIHAC Shared Animal Facility
- Christopher M. Rishell, BS, Facility Manager, 6B Shared Animal Facility
- Ruth A. Woodward, DVM, Facility Veterinarian, NIHAC Shared Animal Facility
The Research Animal Management Branch (RAMB) is responsible for directing the program of laboratory animal care and use for NICHD’s Division of Intramural Research (DIR). The program includes animal facilities managed by NICHD as the lead institute, NICHD animals housed in other facilities, and all activities involving NICHD DIR–owned animals. The Branch specifically: 1) provides primary veterinary care; 2) advises the NICHD Scientific Director on animal care and use practices; 3) assures that animal use within DIR is in accordance with applicable regulatory standards; 4) coordinates intramural animal use, including appropriate animal model selection, support requirements, and Animal Study Proposal review; 5) advises the scientific staff on comparative medicine, Animal Study Proposal design, disease interference, and other factors that may complicate or invalidate research results; 6) implements and coordinates animal health monitoring; 7) coordinates quarantine for incoming animals of unknown health status to prevent the introduction of agents pathogenic to humans or other animals; 8) coordinates a central ordering program for the NICHD; 9) provides administrative management of the NICHD Animal Care and Use Committee (ACUC); and 10) interfaces with organizations and institutions concerned with the ethical and humane care and use of animals in research.
The RAMB operates and manages the Building 6B Shared Animal Facility (SAF), the NIHAC SAF, Suite 6C127 of the ACRF Animal Facility, and the NICHD aquatics facilities. The DIR Animal Program and Animal Care and Use Committee has animal-use oversight of these facilities as well as NICHD and NIA animals in the Building 49 SAF, the Porter Neurosciences Research Center (PNRC) SAF, the 10A Central Animal Facility (CAF) and in CAFs managed by the Division of Veterinary Resources (DVR) including 14F. The RAMB has contractual oversight over an aquatic animal husbandry task that includes husbandry and research support for NICHD, NHGRI, NHLBI, NCI.
The Building 6B Shared Animal Facility supports the animal research activities of four Institutes (NICHD, NIAID, NEI, and NIAMS). This is a restricted-access disease-free rodent facility that includes a room of Xenopus frogs and a zebrafish facility.
The NIHAC Shared Animal Facility supports the animal research activities of three Institutes (NICHD, NIMH, and NCI). This facility houses nonhuman primates and rodents. Animal holding areas include indoor housing, indoor/outdoor runs, seasonal outdoor housing, and a five-acre free-ranging primate field station is located adjacent to permanent structures. Suite 6C127 of the ACRF Animal Facility supports the animal research activities of two Institutes (NICHD and NIA). The facility occupies 121 m2 (1,299 ft2) in Building 10 and has five animal rooms and two procedure rooms. The facility provides care and housing for rodent and aquatic species. This restricted-access conventional facility is operated under contract.
As part of the NIH, the RAMB participates in the formulation of policies and procedures that impact the care and use of laboratory animals throughout the country. In 2009, the RAMB, together with NICHD zebrafish researchers, led the effort to establish new zebrafish euthanasia guidelines for the NIH Animal Research Advisory Committee (ARAC), which establishes policy and guidelines for all of the NIH intramural animal use.
Additional Funding
RAMB is supported directly by DIR funding.
Contact
For more information, email schechj@mail.nih.gov or visit www.animalcare.nichd.nih.gov.