. Federal guidelines for use of vertebrate animals in research contain specific provisions for basic husbandry. Proper diet and a stress-free, sanitary environment are some of the greatest tools in preventing the development or transmission of disease. The following guidelines are used by RAR in developing our husbandry procedures. They are adapted from requirements in the Animal Welfare Act, the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, and from the collective experience of RAR animal care providers. If University investigators have received permission from the IACUC to provide their own animal care these guidelines should be considered.