Policies and Procedures
The Veterinary Medical Park (VMP) was reorganized centrally. VMP
administers support services for all animal research and teaching
programs in the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM). The
management and Staff of the VMP cooperate closely with the Director
of CMP. The VMP is available for all Faculty who wish to use its
services. Priority will be given to the CVM.
Facilities Available for Investigator Use
Surgical Suites
The VMP maintains two large animal surgical suites with
adjoining surgical prep areas and post operative recovery areas.
The suites are equipped with surgical lights, large and small
surgical tables, large and small isoflurane anesthetic equipment,
patient monitoring equipment, electrocautery, and suction
apparatus. An autoclave, surgical instruments, laundry and specimen
manipulation laboratory are also available for use.
The area is accessible to all qualified investigators who have
an approved surgical protocol on file. There is no charge to CVM
investigators for use of the area, but it must be reserved at least
48 hours in advance. Investigators can either supply their own
consumable supplies or the VMP will supply them at cost. Technical
support and suite clean up is available on a fee basis.
Procurement of Animals
An approved Animal Use Protocol must be on file in the VMP prior
to animals being obtained. The VMP staff will assist in obtaining
animals if so desired. Arrangements for housing must be made prior
to ordering as space is available on a first come first served
basis and not always available immediately. An animal housing form must be
completed and hand delivered to VMP or e-mailed to DTaylor@cvm.tamu.edu
or MAWalker@cvm.tamu.edu.
Receiving
The VMP will receive animals from 8 AM to 4 PM Monday through
Friday and by special arrangement at other times. All incoming
animals must be processed through the VMP office on arrival and
undergo identification, quarantine and conditioning as specified in
the Park Health Maintenance Program.
Sources
Animals are available from private breeders, auction barns and
other investigators in the Texas A&M System. Since the health
of these animals is not always known, please check with VMP prior
to obtaining animals and bringing them on the park. VMP will assist
in obtaining good sources of animals.
Technical Assistance
VMP technicians will collect blood samples for investigators by
prior arrangement. VMP personnel will "pen" animals and perform
other animal handling procedures for the investigator. Arrangements
for such assistance should be made a minimum of 48 hours in advance
with the Animal Care Supervisor. Technical assistance for surgery
and anesthesia is also available and must be arranged 48 hours
prior to the time of surgery. Every effort is made to accommodate
all requests.
VMP Billing Procedures
Investigators are billed for animal housing, supplies, and
services on a monthly basis. Charges are accrued on a "per animal
per day" basis. The charges for animal maintenance recover only
those costs directly related to the care of the animals. For
information regarding charges please contact VMP at 845-5620.