Microbiologically monitored fumigation of a newly built SPF laboratory rodent facility.

The initial sanitization and sterilization of a newly built animal facility for the breeding and holding of specific pathogen free (SPF) rats and mice is described. The fumigation programme was started with methyl bromide treatment directed primarily against arthropods, followed by ammonia spray to kill coccidial oocysts and concluded by three formaldehyde treatments with fog and spray against bacteria and viruses. The practicalities and problems involved are described in detail and the rationale and purpose of the programme and its monitoring are discussed.