Newsletter

Standard PPE Isolation gown Surgical face mask  Shoe covers or disinfection foot mat (alternative) Nitrile gloves (required for any animal/cage manipulations) CL2 Procedures N95 respirator Chemical Hazards Eye protection

AkbarVeterinary Technologist I Education/training: DVM (Iran) Areas of interest/specialties: Lab animal research  Why I love working at the BSF: Caring for and treating the lab research animals and helping the labs the best I can.    Arin Veterinary Technologist II Education/training: BSc. Animal Biology (UGuelph); RLAT certification; 20 years’ experience in lab animal research  Areas of interest/specialties: Colony maintenance; … Read More

What is your position?The official name for my position is Behavioural Neuroscience Technician/Specialist. It is a new position within the BSF and will bring a new range of services to the researchers. I’m excited to work with the BSF team and researchers to fully develop this role. How will this position support research and what … Read More

Meet Lisa! Lisa is a PhD Candidate in the Rochman Lab studying the effects of microfibers in fathead minnows, rainbow trout and invertebrates (chironomids) in freshwater systems. Interestingly enough, the concentration of microplastics in the Great Lakes and Great Lakes fish is just as high, or in some cases slightly higher than the concentration of microplastics found … Read More

It is safe to say that COVID-19 has forever changed the workplace and how we go about the day-to-day activities in the vivarium. The past several months have led to many changes within the vivarium and it’s important to note that while research has restarted, the return does not mean business as usual. Decreased staff … Read More

Cleaning is defined as the process of making free from dirt, foreign, and extraneous matter, whereas disinfection is the process of freeing from infection specifically by destroying harmful microorganisms.  Appropriate cleaning and disinfection procedures in fish laboratories are crucial in preventing the spread of aquatic animal pathogens and minimizing the build-up of waste products and … Read More

The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a tropical freshwater fish belonging to the minnow and carp family. It is native to South Asia, often found swimming in the rivers of northern India, Nepal, Bhutan, and northern Pakistan. The zebrafish has gained popularity over the past decade for their adaptability and mammal-like organs, cell types and brain … Read More

Starting a breeding program can seem overwhelming if one is not properly prepared. Here are ten important things to consider before expanding your colony:  1. Have a plan  Before breeding, make sure you know which strain you want, the genotypes you want to produce, the number of mice you will need for both experimentation and … Read More