Survey on Antimicrobial Use in Laboratory Rodents in North America_ Mus musculus ^0 Rattus norvegicus_January 29^J 2025_03.21.xlsx

We surveyed veterinarians certified by the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (ACLAM) in the United States and Canada. Responses showed that antimicrobial use is widespread and routine in laboratory rodent vivaria, consistent with reports from Australia, New Zealand, and other qualitative studies. Overall, 91.7 percent of respondents reported regular use, citing research-specific reasons such as induction of microbiome dysbiosis, prophylaxis in immunocompromised rodents, and gene induction. Commonly used drug classes included fluoroquinolones, third generation cephalosporins, and in some cases glycopeptides and imipenems, all considered critically important to human health. We also examined disposal practices for antimicrobials and contaminated substrates and found many vivaria dispose of these in sewerage or landfill without prior inactivation.