BRF Update - August 2021
I hope everyone is doing as well as they can, despite the disruptions caused by COVID-19. Similar to everyone else we have had delays and changes to adapt to the requirements, but I am pleased to report that the team did an amazing job and we are continuing approved operations and services relatively smoothly.
We have a number of important updates:
ARC closure – a message from the UQBR Director
The end of the week is rapidly approaching, as is our need to confirm animal production numbers with the ARC. I can appreciate this is a very difficult request for many groups, but it’s an important step to ensure uninterrupted supply of animals moving forward.
For groups still trying to put details together, here are some responses to commonly asked questions.
- If a group requests more animals than what they need will they be charged for the excess?
This request is to provide ARC with a prediction of what animals are to be ordered in 2022. These are not orders and anonymised details will be forwarded to ARC with UQ’s (and associate) collective needs. If you do not respond, we run the risk of ARC not establishing sufficient breeders to cater for our needs during 2022.
- If so, what happens to the excess mice? Will they need to be accounted for on requesters ethics?
The ARC’s own ethics approval will cover the production of animals at their facility. ARC asking for this information, certainly supports the 3R’s in preventing overproduction. However, the request is financially motivated as they are attempting to reduce their operating deficit as they wind down.
- If a group underestimates the number of animals they need for a cohort, will they be able to order more?
This is an important question. ARC will be using these numbers to establish production numbers to meet a known expectation. It needs to be stressed that ARC will not be producing significant numbers of animals on speculation. As we get closer to the last 6 months of their operation I expect (not yet confirmed), they will not replace aging breeders and only confirmed animals orders will be covered. As such, this is not a one off request and it is best for all groups to refine their experimental plans and timelines to accommodate this.
- Can a group provide a prediction for a 6 month period rather than a monthly number?
ARC’s breeding program is designed to provide the continuing production of animals at scale rather than specific cohorts of animals. If you are unable to confirm when an experiment will run, I would consider averaging out the number of animals per month over a 3 month period.
An additional FAQ page has been developed to provide an understanding on why the closure is occurring and what is progressing behind the scenes. This FAQ page will receive future updates as information becomes available.
Attached is a template for all Lab Groups to complete. Completed forms can be forwarded to UQBR Orders [email protected] ASAP.
Best Regards,
Kevin Wathen-Dunn
Director, UQ Biological Resources
T +61 7 3346 3863 M +61 0411 020 572
E [email protected] W www.uq.edu.au/uqbr
4 Weeks to Go! Purchasing animals from suppliers (ARC/ABR) on Mosaic
The UQ Biological Resources animal ordering system is changing!
As of COB Friday 3rd September 2021 the Biological Resources Animal Order Request Form will no longer be available via the UQBR Webpage.
All Animal Orders previously placed through the UQBR webpage will now need to be placed directly into the Mosaic Database.
All personnel requesting to purchase animals will require a Mosaic login to order animals.
Please ensure that you have completed Mosaic Researcher Access Level 1 and Level 1.2 (links provided in the attached PDF)
As soon as you have completed the Mosaic Researcher Access Level 1.2 you may start placing orders if this is part of your role!
Please be sure to familiarise yourself with this new ordering and transfer process before the deadline (COB 03/09/2021).
Please do not hesitate to contact the Animal Facility/Orders Manager ([email protected]) if you are having any difficulties completing these orders and transfer requests during this transition.
