Section 4 is our most pathogen-protected facility, a so-called full barrier, and is home to numerous genetically modified mouse lines. The facility has "Spezifiziert Opportunisten- und Pathogenfrei (SOPF)" status ("Specified opportunist- and pathogen-free", this means that there are no germs in the facility that are both harmful to mice and harmless to mice) and is protected by a strict hygienic barrier. To enter the facility, everyone must first shower with soap and water and then pass through an air shower lock. After the air shower, special hygiene clothing consisting of sterile overalls, cleanroom hoods, mouth and nose protection, sterile surgical shoes and gloves are put on.
Materials such as cages, as well as feed, bedding and drinking water, are sterilized in an autoclave before being introduced into the facility. Technical materials can be introduced through a decontamination transfer hatch.
An employee places gloves in a decontamination transfer hatch.
The hygiene status of the animals is checked regularly by an independent specialist laboratory. To ensure the high hygiene status, only the animal care and veterinary staff and the animal welfare officers have access.
Area Management
Helga Köbrig, Animal care supervisor
