The Importance of Understanding the Natural History of Novel Species Used in Research
Jörg Mayer MSc, Dr med vet
Mayer is Clinical Assistant Professor and Head of Exotics Service, Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine, North Grafton, MA.
Husbandry requirements differ greatly between species and failure to meet specific needs can result in widespread morbidity and mortality in populations of laboratory animals; this may be especially true in colonies of exotic animals. The author stresses the need to consider a species' natural history in providing housing and care in a research setting.
