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Some Additional Considerations for the Care and Use of Amphibians and Reptiles in Research

Learn important considerations when housing, euthanizing, and field collecting amphibians and reptiles in research settings. The guidelines cover special handling, housing setups, euthanasia methods, and field collecting practices to ensure the welfare of these creatures. Access comprehensive information from reputable sources provided by the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists, The Herpetologists' League, and the Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles. Stay informed and follow best practices to promote responsible care and use of these animals in scientific research.

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Some Additional Considerations for the Care and Use of Amphibians and Reptiles in Research

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  1. Some Additional Considerations for the Care and Use of Amphibians and Reptiles in Research

  2. Reptiles -- Special handling considerations - Salmonella - Aggressive/defensive behaviors - biting (all) - clawing (turtles, lizards) - fecal spraying (snakes)Housing Reptiles:Adults and juveniles: moisture, basking sites, density, feeding schedulesEggs: substrate moisture, temp., positioning to avoid membrane damage

  3. Euthanasia - Reptiles • Intravenous injection of barbituates - problem – barbituates are scheduled drugs (controlled substances) thus difficult to obtain - possible solution – intracoelomic injection of MS-222 (Conroy et al 2009). Inhalation of anesthetics prior to decapitation -- very effective – typical anesthetics employed are isoflurane and halothane Decapitation followed by immediate pithing Unacceptable methods – -- freezing – ice crystals may form prior to death

  4. Amphibians -- Special handling considerations: - Salmonella, but recent research suggests that handling frogs with latex gloves may lead to mortality - Toxic dermal secretions (toads, some salamanders) (note – latex gloves may be toxic to amphibians!!) Housing Amphibians:Adults: substrate moisture, hiding substrates, light spectrum, temperatureEmbryos: aeration, water pH 6 to 7.5 generally ideal, dissolved oxygenLarvae: aeration, pH (as with embryos), feeding (know your species), densities

  5. Euthanasia - amphibians • Generally similar to reptiles. • Also acceptable - dermal application of benzocaine followed by decapitation, pithing, or cervical dislocation. • Also acceptable – submersion in buffered MS-222 followed by decapitation, pithing, or cervical dislocation

  6. Field collecting • A major threat to amphibians today is infectious disease • fungal, bacterial, viral • It is very important that field collectors do not serve as vectors for these diseases • Between sampling sites, clean (bleach rinse) all boots, nets, other instruments. • Be aware of prevalence of amphibian diseases in your study areas.

  7. As with any other animal study, if you have ANY questions, please contact the committee and we will guide you to the proper resources.

  8. GUIDELINES FOR USE OF LIVE AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES IN FIELD RESEARCH, Compiled by American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists (ASIH), The Herpetologists' League (HL), Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles (SSAR) http://199.245.200.110/pubs/herpcoll.htmlNumerous other publications dealing with care and use of amphibians and reptiles are linked from the IACUC website

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