Dear All
We need your help to try and modify European proposed changes to cage sizes for Axolotls . The proposals are for a minimum water surface area of 5000 sq cm and minimum depth of 20 cm for an axolotl plus an additional 850 sq cm for each additional animal. This is an increase of >5 times our current tank surface area and almost twice the depth! We use Marine Biotech cages in a gentle circulating system. The Axolotls appear quite happy and are breeding very well. They give no indication that they need a bigger cage, apparently waiting until food comes to them and just hanging around enjoying themselves. We have had zero mortality in over 2.5 yrs. At least a 50% fertilisation rate, indicating the general health of the animals.
Therefore:
What size cages do you use?
Why do you feel these are adequate from a welfare perspective - how do they meet the animals needs?
If I can obtain any additional support to say that Axolotl welfare requirements have been met with smaller cage sizes than those proposed, the draft cage sizes may be amended. Can you help - please forward comments to me for collation.
DEADLINE Friday 20 Feb 04
Many thanks
Neil Yates & Andrew Johnson
http://www.coe.int/T/E/Legal_affairs/Legal_co-operation/Biological_safety,_use_of_animals/Laboratory_animals/GT%20123%20_2001_%201%20E%20Amphibians%20final%20DRAFT.pdf
Neil Yates
Director BMSU
University of Nottingham
Medical School
Queens Medical Centre
Nottingham
NG7 2 UH
Tel (0115) 970 9356
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