How often should enclosures and accessories be sanitized at minimum?

The correct interval for sanitizing enclosures and accessories, which is every two weeks, is based on standard animal care practices that ensure the health and well-being of the animals housed within those environments. This frequency strikes a balance between maintaining a clean habitat and preventing the buildup of pathogens or waste, which can impact animal welfare. Sanitizing too frequently may be unnecessary and could lead to stress for the animals, particularly if the cleaning process disturbs their environment too often. Conversely, sanitizing less often than every two weeks may allow for the accumulation of harmful microorganisms or debris, putting the animals at risk.

Adhering to this bi-weekly guideline not only supports good hygiene practices but also aligns with the recommendations from various regulatory agencies that emphasize regular care and maintenance of laboratory animal housing conditions. This practice contributes to the overall health of the animals and helps ensure compliance with animal welfare regulations.