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Institute of Animal Technology Bulletin G G G 175th Council Meeting Synopsis Three Minute Interview AS ET G G G Branch News Situations Vacant Diary Dates Vol 51 No 11 November 2015

Bulletin Vol 51 No 11 November 2015 EDITOR Sarah Lane bulletineditor iat org uk ASSISTANT EDITOR Carole Wilson bulletinassistant iat org uk ADVERTISEMENT MANAGERS PRC Associates Ltd mail prcassoc co uk Published monthly by the Institute of Animal Technology Registered Office 5 South Parade Summertown Oxford OX2 7JL ISSN 0263 2861 For enquiries other than Bulletin related contact IAT ADMINISTRATOR admin iat org uk or 0800 085 4380 Final copy date for January Bulletin 1st December The opinions expressed in the Bulletin do not necessarily reflect those of the Editor or the Institute CONTENTS 175th Council Meeting Synopsis Ken Writes Congress 2016 Andrew Blake Award 5 7 9 11 Three Minute Interview 12 13 NC3Rs IAT Symposium Report 17 23 Suppliers Register i xliv AS ET 28 29 Branch News 31 35 Situations Vacant 38 Diary Dates 39

Bulletin November 2015 5 175th September Council Meeting Synopsis Ken Writes I begin this month by paying a personal tribute to John Bleby As I wrote in July when you are in a position to help others you do so freely well John epitomised this and much more John was always extremely supportive of animal technologists and held us in high regard for our knowledge and skills As Head of the Laboratory Animals Centre LAC in the 1960 and 70s see http www ncbi nlm nih gov pmc articles PMC3299560 John launched many a young animal technologist s career As a Vice President VP John was always willing to advise and support the Institute saying on many occasions don t worry about others if you believe it is the right thing to do just do it The world is a poorer place without JB On a much happier note at the September Council meeting Vice President Stephen Barnett was proposed and elected unanimously by Council to Honorary Fellowship Steve will be known to many members of the Institute and has worked tirelessly in the field of laboratory animal science and technology education and training for many years and Council agreed that this was a fitting recognition Steve has since replied I am both surprised and delighted by the news that the Council has awarded me an Honorary Fellowship I have a great respect for the Fellowship qualification and for those who hold it because as a teacher and examiner I have seen first hand how difficult it is to gain That experience makes this award very special to me Occasionally I get asked the question what exactly do VPs do for the Institute VPs are nominated by Council and elected by the membership at the AGM to help further the Institute s aims and objectives In addition VPs give advice to Council and are consulted on issues in which they have special expertise If you look inside Animal Technology and Welfare on page ii the VPs are listed and as you will see they come from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines Designed by Allan Thornhill the new forward facing public website has been launched and initial responses have been universally positive The website has evolved into three sections What is Animal Technology Working with Animals and Employing Animal Technologists All other information is behind these public pages and accessed via clicking on the IAT Roundel logo All members are encouraged to supply their current email address to make the best use of the members section of website and to receive e newsletters and branch communications

6 November 2015 Bulletin The College of Laboratory Animal Science Technology CLAST website has now been set up www clast org uk and CLAST will be up and running for the forthcoming academic year CLAST will provide the teaching provision for the IAT HE Level 4 5 and 6 qualifications as with levels 2 and 3 the IAT is now the Awarding Organisation so we cannot be involved in the teaching of courses I very much hope more members will be encouraged to undertake the HE qualifications including those wishing to take individual units as CPD Well over 100 animal technologists attended the NC3Rs IAT Animal Technologists Symposium on 16th September The promotion of the 3Rs and more important their implementation within the workplace are intrinsic for animal welfare and a culture of care The IAT sponsored the networking session which took place at the end of the symposium and continuing sponsorship will be considered for future joint events with the NC3Rs While on the subject of the 3Rs Council agreed to amend the IAT Ethical Statement to include reference to the 3Rs The definitive line for inclusion will read The Institute recognises and supports the application of the principles of the 3Rs Replacement Reduction Refinement in all areas of animal research Since July a Youth Reps meeting has taken place Seven Reps attended and had a very positive and productive meeting The original seventeen points form the initial meeting 2013 were reviewed with the vast majority having been actioned The group were then given an overview of the re vamped website and the IAT App The Youth Reps were then left to brainstorm ideas for encouraging new members and engaging existing members of the Institute These outcomes will be in the full report of the meeting PLMR have been employed to help the IAT to promote themselves in the UK and Europe in particular the IAT Career Pathway see http www iat org uk pathway clq0 The European Directive states that there should be a minimum level of education for animal care staff and the IAT is keen to promote the IAT Career Pathway as a basis for education across the UK and Europe The long term objectives of this initiative are For the Career Pathway to be implemented as part of the human resources and or training policy of leading organisations employing animal technologists normalising the gold standard IAT recommendations into everyday practice

Bulletin November 2015 7 To secure endorsements from leading institutions so as to build momentum and a strong body of third party advocates in order to support engagement with European institutions who are less familiar with the IAT or more reluctant to promote the benefits of a career in animal technology To secure support from EU institutions and the adoption of the Career Pathway across Europe by leading employers and institutions I congratulate Natalie Edwards who works for Agenda Resource Management who was elected a MIAT a full member of the Institute If you hold a Level 3 qualification in Laboratory Animal Science and Technology why not upgrade your status Ken s View I am sure you would all agree we are morally obliged to implement the latest scientific advancements in the welfare of laboratory animals and translate these directly towards the animals in our care As an animal facility manager I have always tried to surround myself with the brightest most enthusiastic and caring animal technologists That involves spending money on their career development and yes some of my staff have left and moved on to bigger jobs and without exception I am pleased for them and take great personal satisfaction in their success It is not for me to dictate to employers how they should train and qualify their animal care staff but I just do not understand why multi million pound organisations would be tight fisted when it comes to developing and training their animal care staff Many times I have heard senior colleagues say that so and so was a great loss and yet I suspect many individuals leave because they do not receive the career development opportunities they feel they deserve Then you have all the expense and time of employing other individuals to take their place John Gregory mentioned this in his 3 minute interview and I would completely endorse the sentiment What is best not to train or develop staff that stay or train and develop staff that may leave Ken Applebee Chair IAT Council September 2015

WANT TO COME TO CONGRESS BUT CAN ONLY ATTEND FOR A DAY With our new Scientific Programme format it is possible to choose your day and your delegate experience WEDNESDAY 9th MARCH Arrive for the opening of Congress O Attend Papers up until the morning break O Then Workshops for the rest of the day O Plus visit the Posters and Trade Exhibition O THURSDAY 10th MARCH O Download this Invitation Booklet from the NEW dedicated link at http www iat org uk congress c16th Paper Presentations all day HO update first timers poster presentations ABTA Award and culminating with the Kevin Dolan Memorial Lecture Back by popular demand are the One Minute Flash Trade Presentations O Plus visit the Posters and Trade Exhibition O Day Delegate costs are set out in the Packages section of the Invitation Booklet We are also announcing the NEW criteria for the Andrew Blake Tribute Award in this issue To discuss any aspect of Congress with the Congress Committee or if you have any questions email congress iat org uk Online Registration only for 2016

12 November 2015 Bulletin Three Minute Interview Name Sam uel Jameson Job title Deputy Director of Operations and Facilities University Biomedical Services University of Cambridge Member of Council Describe yourself in 3 words Driven Energetic Kind hearted What is your earliest memory I am not good at this I tend to live for now I do remember going to a cottage in Sheringham on fun family seaside holidays as a child The cottage was decorated with various pictures and ornaments of witches I am not sure why that for the duration of our stay were covered by tea towels as my mum was not keen on them When you were at school what or who did you want to be and why My earliest aspiration that I remember was wanting to be a Marine Biologist I am not sure why now Turns out I do not like water much being on it or under it What was the first music album you bought The first CD album I remember owning is Pete Tong Paul Oakenfold Essential Selection 98 Writing this I had to have a listen to it There are some great tunes on it that I had long forgotten If you could have dinner with one person who would that be and why I do not have a particular idol or celebrity crush so I will have to say Moira Stuart I think she would be interesting and fun to have dinner with I grew up watching her on the BBC News and there is something about her voice that captivates my attention

Bulletin November 2015 13 What is the best advice you have been given Never go to sleep on an argument What is your next goal in life To enjoy married life If you could visit anywhere in the world where would you choose and why I am quite fond of being typically British complaining about the wet little island that I have grown up on There is plenty of it still for me to explore but if I could go anywhere the Galapagos Islands would be fantastic for seeing the wildlife in its natural habitat What is your favourite quote or saying Obviously your ambition outweighed your talent What is the most important thing your job has taught you Patience Cup of tea or stiff drink Good coffee Favourite colour Silver Favourite place The saddle of my motorcycle with an open road in front Last book you read Different Natures and the Spaces In Between by Graham Field Name something that annoys you My inability to fix my own motorcycle I am dangerous with spanners Printable most embarrassing moment The lack of clothing I was made to wear on my recent stag party to Oktoberfest in Munich was definitely embarrassing Hobbies or interests Riding my motorcycle reading about motorcycles admiring motorcycles You get the picture A bit of bird watching with my dad too

Bulletin November 2015 17 The NC3Rs IAT Animal Technicians Symposium I was delighted to be asked to chair the symposium which was attended by over 120 people mainly animal technicians keen to learn about the latest research and techniques in relation to animal welfare and the reduction refinement and replacement of animals in research Whilst representing Agenda I was also representing the Institute of Animal Technology who co sponsored the event As Vice Chair of the IAT I am keen to see how the continued focus on technician training and education can enhance our welfare practices and have a positive impact on our commitment to the 3Rs The IAT displayed its Career Pathway poster which has been developed to show the many ways that technicians can develop themselves and their careers Delegates that attended the seminar day were awarded 5 IAT CPD points and certificates were provided to all attendees For more information on the Career Pathway please visit the new IAT website www iat org uk There were nine excellent presentations across a range of disciplines including Zebrafish monitoring the mouse grimace scale note that these posters are

18 November 2015 Bulletin available from the NC3Rs website www nc3rs org uk improving dog welfare beamed live and the technology worked handling mice with tubes to reduce stress improving experimental breeding techniques refinement of the mouse stroke model micro sampling blood collection alternatives working with the Named Training and Competency Officer and best practice in experimental surgery The event was enjoyed by all and even an old stager like me learned a lot I hope that these events continue in the future and that we can engage the technicians working directly with the animals in practical ways that we can support the 3Rs and improve welfare I asked two of Agenda s technicians who attended to give a short overview and these are provided below Thanks go to Sam and Mike for supplying these technicians eye view of the day I must remember to pay them for the kind comments on my chairing Sam s Review On Wednesday 16th September I attended the NC3Rs IAT Animal Technicians Symposium held in London As always events like this are an ideal opportunity to network with other people from a range of different companies to share ideas and opinions on best practice techniques

Bulletin November 2015 19 The schedule for the day was packed full of talks from various professionals on a broad range of topics These included micro sampling techniques mice experimental breeding plans improving the welfare of lab housed dogs zebrafish automated monitoring and working with the NTCO Named Training and Competency Officer Norman Mortell from Agenda was the Chair for the day and I would like to take this opportunity to say what a great job he did He highlighted that in order to deliver great animal welfare technician training and education is essential A lot of managers must agree with this statement as they kindly allowed some of their staff members to attend this event for the day One talk that I found particularly interesting was Taming anxiety and variation in mice through non aversive handling I am sure we have all come across the occasional mouse that refuses to be caught and is adamant he will run faster than your hand can move to catch his tail A study at Liverpool has looked into the stress which can be caused by handling laboratory animals This stress is not only detrimental to animal welfare but also increases variability within research studies This study showed that tail handling for mice induced aversion towards the handler and high anxiety Whilst cupping the animal or using a tunnel reduces anxiety aversion to the handler and can lead to acceptance of physical restraint It is often felt by technicians that using a tunnel method could slow down the cleaning out process and when faced with several hundred cages you don t want to be slowed down This study also looked at the time element of changing the handling technique and found that it did not make a difference when cleaning out If there is a tunnel in the cage place it by the side of the cage not the centre and use your hand to guide the mouse towards the tunnel Once in it can be transferred into the clean cage

20 November 2015 Bulletin The home tunnel is good for nervous animals but this study also used the same tunnel for several cages wiped down in between if required and changed for different sexes and found that it was still as effective as a home tunnel The type of tunnel makes little difference to the mouse but for the handler a clear tunnel is suggested so a visual health check can still be carried out Plastic tunnels are also advised otherwise the mouse can grip onto the side of the tunnel e g cardboard tubes resulting in it being slightly more difficult to get it out The suggested size is 5cm width 12 18cm length you don t want your mouse to fall out one end If this method is showing to be better for the animals and for the research results then it surely must be worth considering giving it a try I d like to give a big thank you to all the speakers for taking the time to give these very interesting talks and also to the NC3Rs and IAT for organising this free and very worthwhile event Sam C Facility Manager Mike s Review The NC3Rs IAT Animal Technicians Symposium was held in a London conference centre that is a Grade 2 listed building but with a very modern interior After gathering in the exhibition hall to receive our name tags and welcome pack there was plenty of time to grab a coffee or soft drink or two while mingling with fellow technologists of all levels and looking over the posters that were presented We were guided into the spacious 300 seat tiered auditorium where the chair of the day our very own Norman Mortell provided his unique brand of jokes scattered amongst the welcome and the introduction to the day s itinerary Norman left us with the notion that Technician training and education are essential to delivering

Bulletin November 2015 21 great welfare Over the day Norman introduced us to nine speakers including a live video link from Scotland The topics of the day provided a wide range from things like Best practice in experimental surgery the benefits of micro sampling and Phenotyping viability in experimental breeding mice For me there were some real stand out talks such as the presentation on Taming anxiety and variation in mice through non aversive handling by Dr Kelly Gouveia from the University of Liverpool who showed that picking mice up in a tunnel instead of via their tails reduced stress signs significantly and the mice even appeared to be happier around the human handler However the talk that really got a lot of my interest was by Dr Lynne Sneddon also of Liverpool University with her talk on an automated system for monitoring pain and stress in laboratory Zebrafish With the use of three cameras one looking into the tank from the front one from the side of the tank and also one looking down into the tank from above allowed an automated intelligent monitoring software tool to three dimensionally map the entire body of water within the tank further allowing the software to map the exact movements of the Zebrafish within the tank Zebrafish when healthy will swim in the entire space within the tank moving smoothly and at all depths This mapping software allows the technicians to see if the fish are feeling any adverse effects of surgery as the plotted trace of the fish may show it has spent a significant length of time at the bottom of the tank something that cannot always be obvious just by making visual checks on the animal The system enables the fish to be watched at all times even when there is nobody there to look at them Once this system is fully operational and widely used it could be a vital tool in the detection and assessment of pain in laboratory fish This would be a major benefit as fish are the second most popular model in the UK with approximately half a million used each year in research I would like to thank the NC3Rs the IAT all the speakers and poster presenters and also Agenda for letting me attend Mike B Senior Technician

Bulletin November 2015 23 Poster Prize and Summary The day was extremely well attended by technicians from all over the UK The presentations were all excellent and thankfully for me as the Chair they all kept to time There was plenty of opportunity for questions and networking in the breaks and the superb lunch that was provided During the course of the day delegates were encouraged to view a poster exhibition held in the refreshments area with a prize of 400 up for grabs for the best poster With posters on tail prick blood sampling rat caging options health monitoring for Zebrafish and Zebrafish endpoints the judges had a difficult choice but eventually decided that Karen Dunsford from University College London deserved the prize with her poster entitled Refinement of a health monitoring system for laboratory Zebrafish the cash award was presented by Vicky Robinson CBE Chief Executive of NC3Rs Thanks go to the NC3Rs and in particular Maureen and Mark for their organisation and the IAT for co sponsoring the event and providing CPD points Special thanks go to the excellent and thought provoking speakers and the technicians who attended appeared to genuinely enjoy the day The event ended with a reworking reception and a cold drink before we all wended our way home reflecting on a thought provoking and inspiring day Norman Mortell BA Hons MIAT RAnTech MIAT Awards IAT Council are delighted to announce that the following member has upgraded their IAT membership being elected as a full voting member and can now use the designatory letters MIAT Natalie Edwards Congratulations to Natalie on her achievement Anyone who has obtained their Level 3 IAT qualification along with a Practical Animal Handling Health Module can apply for MIAT status Further details on requirements and how to apply can be found on the IAT website or from the IAT Administrator admin iat org uk

Bulletin November 2015 25 Doing what we do best a showcase of technician and research interaction IAT 9th Joint Autumn Symposium Meeting Wednesday 18th November 2015 Cambridge University Technical College Robinson Way off Long Road Cambridge CB2 0SZ Registration opens at 4 30pm Meeting commences 5 00pm To Register Contact Di Cooper d cooper639 btinternet com Registration Deadline 11th November Advise special dietary requirements Sponsors Flash Presentation session Free prize draw for 2 x 25 vouchers Buffet generously supported by our sponsors Speakers Name Facility Title of Presentation Clare Sims University of Bristol Moving from Head cap to Harness in rats Selina Hopkins Claire Rogerson Sanger Institute Creating a Germ Free Unit within an SPF Facility Rosie Keeble University of Cambridge Zebra fish Rearing Protocols Effects John Waters University of Liverpool Non Tail Alternatives to Handling Mice Melanie Crooks Envigo Refining Isolator Welfare H O Inspector HO Severity Assessment Produced by Agenda Marketing

28 November 2015 Bulletin Animals in Science Education Trust And the winners are Clair Knox of MRC Cambridge wins this year s IAT Higher Education Certificate Level 4 Prize Caroline Wilson of Babraham is awarded the Higher Education Diploma Level 5 Prize Hearty congratulations to both prize winners Your education trust needs you Currently AS ET is short of Official Supporters Please join us and support future animal technologists Their future is your pension and your legacy At the beginning of our fifth anniversary year we had a target to increase the number of our Official Supporters to 500 At the moment we have fallen short of that figure Becoming an Official Supporter costs just 24 00 a year yes really just 2 a month You can then wear your AS ET badge or wrist band with pride and it will tell everyone that you are helping to support education and promote excellence in the care and welfare of animals used in experiments If you fill in a gift aid form as well we can increase your donation by 20 without any extra cost to you The money we receive is used to provide bursaries for short courses or longer courses leading to qualifications We also support a number of other educational activities Our industry has changed You do not just need ambition and hard work to achieve qualifications you also need opportunity AS ET is providing that to colleagues who would otherwise miss out Donate 5 minutes and the cost of half a pint a month to give tangible support To make donating easier we are distributing the standing order gift aid forms in this issue of the Bulletin or you can download a standing order form from www as et org uk Thank you for taking the time to read this AS ET Trustees

Bulletin November 2015 29 AS ET is a charity to advance education and promote excellence in the care and welfare of animals used in science Sponsors of AS ET are listed below and to find out more please visit the website www as et org uk

Bulletin November 2015 31 IAT Cambridge Branch Paint Balling T he weather was kind to the twenty IAT Cambridge Branch members that visited Apocalypse Paintball on the afternoon of Saturday 3rd October The group gathered in the car park full of enthusiasm and nerves for what they were about to embark upon Steadily the venue got busier with a collection of participants all adorning the combat overalls and a protective face mask A strict safety brief was provided by the Apocalypse marshal team before the first game commenced It soon became clear that all participants approximately 60 in total were to play together Players were split into two teams based on the colour of the paint ball hopper they had been provided black or blue There was a total of 5 games played Capture the Flag Single Flag Defend the Village Tyre Fortress and Attack the Village The game arenas were dynamic and fun providing plenty of opportunity to shoot and be shot at with

Bulletin interesting features for defence against the paintball showers There was some intense fighting at times especially as there were so many players in each team Everyone threw themselves into the action some quite literally There were 300 paintballs included in the ticket price Survival time competitiveness and frugal shooting dictated how long these lasted Some players were keen to ensure they were well stocked for ammunition and were very generous in helping other players In the end the black team were the most successful on the day A few members lived to make it to the pub afterwards for refreshments and to share war stories Despite the minor pain bruises and mess of the paintballs there remained smiles all around A big thank you to Allentown for kindly sponsoring the event and to Nathan Hill Allentown Technical Sales Consultant for playing along with us Sam Jameson Branch Reporter November 2015 33

Bulletin November 2015 35 Midland Branch Trade Day T he Midlands Branch held its first trade day on 22nd September at Birmingham University with 15 companies attending The event proved very popular with our trade colleagues with the spaces for exhibitors selling out in under 2 hours Technicians attended the event from across the Midlands region coming from Aston Birmingham Coventry Leicester and Nottingham The excellent travel links to the venue made this an easy to attend event Running alongside the day Birmingham was also hosting the UTG University Training Group annual meeting and the presence of the trade day was well received all round Our thanks in particular go to all the members of the Midlands IAT committee for their hard work in bringing about this event in particular to Ian and Joy for all the organisation and our trade colleagues for supporting us Having tested the water with our first trade day it will be onwards for a similar event in 2016 Caroline Chadwick Branch Rapporteur Winner of the popular Vet Tech pony prize draw

Bulletin November 2015 37

GLOBAL PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANY SEEKS A CANDIDATE TO ASSIST IN THE DAY TO DAY ORGANISATION OF AN ANIMAL UNIT We are an established global patient centric pharmaceutical company based in Berkshire who has achieved the highest standards and commendations for our recognised best practice within our laboratory facilities We are now looking to recruit a candidate to join our dedicated team and we will consider someone who has limited or no experience Most importantly we are looking for someone who is motivated to carry out the dedicated care welfare and husbandry of our rodents and rabbits You will be responsible for the day to day organisation within the unit monitoring sampling and collecting data to support the development and evolution of our world class drug development programmes You will need to demonstrate good communication skills be able to work independently after training and demonstrate commitment to being part of this highly specialist team Full training will be given as well as encouragement to gain relevant qualifications and a Home Office Licence Participating in weekend bank holiday rota working will be required Please send your CV to E pharmaceuticalopportunity gmail com Closing date Friday 11th December 2015

Bulletin November 2015 DIARY Dates 13 November Herts Essex Branch Quiz Night Hertfordshire Details from hertsandessexsecretary hotmail co uk See page 24 14 November change of date and venue IAT Inter Branch Fishing Match West Middlesex Branch Details from europe allentowninc com See page 41 18 November Cambridge Huntingdon Norfolk Suffolk Branch Joint Autumn Symposium Cambridge Details to follow 25 27 November LASA Winter Meeting South of England Details from info lasa co uk 25 27 November SAALAS Conference Pretoria South Africa 8 December RSPCA Lay Members Forum London Details from research animals rspca org uk 10 December Congress 2016 Cut off date for poster presentation submissions See page 34 14 December Closing date for Council Elections See page 15 18 December Closing date for Andrew Blake Tribute Award submissions See page 11 Cover photo Cape Buffalo Malcolm Gamble 39