Infection Action Plan

Revised 5/09

Parvovirus outbreak action plan.  Additional notes for outbreak 2009.

The parvovirus outbreak action plan follows the principles outlined below.  However because it is difficult to assure a colony is negative, and because the virus is environmentally persistent, additional measures are necessary.  For instance, following testing of individual colony cages and removal of positive cages, a second colony cage test follows one month later.  In addition, we test new rack sentinels on affected racks at 6-week intervals.  In all, 2 negative cage tests in combination with 3 negative sentinel tests are required before a rack may be released from quarantine status.   Quarantine status requires that no cages be moved onto or off the rack, except for with veterinary permission or for sacrifice, and decontamination is required for laboratories and other areas where infected animals are used. For more information, please check the parvovirus update site.

STEP 1: Following positive sentinel test.

1. Retest original sample at same lab and second lab
2. Inform all PI's in affected risk area (room/suite) of potential problem.  Hold all transfers to other facilities.
3. Post affected room and rack(s) with information notice
4. Designate one hood for affected animal use only.  Post hood and procedure room.
5. Send out co-housed sentinel and all rack sentinels in same risk area. 

STEP 2: Following confirmation at second lab or by second sentinel 

1. Contact affected investigator (s) and arrange testing of all affected cages. Discuss potential routes of contamination
2. Send out rack sentinels in extended risk area if necessary 

STEP 3: Following positive colony test (s)

1. Contact investigator and arrange to remove animals from clean colony
   sacrifice
   Rederive
   Move to dirty colony
   Burn out in quarantine (where applicable)
2. Sterilize affected rack/equipment/hood/space as indicated
3. Retrain research/animal care personnel on routes of infection/correct procedures
4. Inform all investigators in affected area. 

STEP 4: Communicate 

1. Report Status of Infection and Clean-up in periodic colony health reports and to Rodent Advisory Committee