Göttingen Minipigs
The barrier facilities at Ellegaard Göttingen Minipigs ensure breeding of Göttingen Minipigs of high quality and with a unique health status.
Health Status
Health Status
Based on FELASA recommendations, the colonies are health monitored twice a year and tested for a wide range of pathogens. The latest results, incl. past results are published in the Health Monitoring Report (HMR).
The colony is screened for selected agents in May/June and an extended analysis is performed in November/December.
June 2024: Download Health Monitoring Reports for all Barriers
We are pleased that the health status of the minipigs is continuously high. Previous health monitoring PCR tests for influenza A were focused on Influenza A H1N1pdm09 viruses. Future influenza A PCR tests will include all influenza A virus subtypes for broader agent sensitivity.
As usual, an exclusion list alongside our health monitoring report is reported, to give a quick overview of which agents prompt either authority notification or further diagnostic or corrective action.
Previous Health Monitoring Reports:
How the high health status is achieved
Microbiological standardisation is necessary because of the possible interference of pathogens with research results. Known effects of microorganisms on animal research are pathological changes, immunomodulation, physiological changes, interference with reproduction, competition of pathogens within the animal, oncogenesis, and contamination of biological products. The influence of these factors can be reduced by using microbiologically defined animals for research.
Our Göttingen Minipigs are bred in fully isolated barrier facilities including HEPA-filtered ventilation with 100% fresh air, overpressure, disinfection locks for diet and materials, shower locks for personnel, and a closed manure system.
Like all other procedures within Ellegaard Göttingen Minipigs, the high health standard is regulated by SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures). All staff members are instructed in the use and importance of the SOPs.
Due to the caesarian rederivation in 1992 and the strict barrier conditions since then, the microbiological status in the colonies is controlled and clinical disease is very rare.
Contact us
Contact our attending Veterinarian with questions concerning the Health Monitoring Reports or the health and welfare of our Göttingen Minipigs.
