12.2.1 Species
Rodents and rabbits represent the majority of laboratory animals used in research and testing. Relatively small numbers of dogs, cats and ferrets, as well as a few species of nonhuman primates, birds and domestic farm animals, are also used as laboratory animals—almost all of which are purpose bred for this use. While other species are also used as laboratory animals, they are seldom bred strictly for this purpose.
12.2.2 Health Status
The health status of laboratory animals is based upon the number and type of infectious agents that have been excluded. Infection with certain microbial agents and parasites may result in clinical disease in laboratory animals or cause unacceptable research effects even if clinical disease does not occur. A change in microbiological sta