SANITATION (cont)
Good sanitation practices are very important to prevent infectious diseases in non-human primate colonies. The animal room should be cleaned with appropriate detergents and disinfectants as often as necessary to keep them free of dirt and debris.
The USDA requires and the "Guide" recommends sanitizing cages at least once every two weeks. If mechanical cage washers are used, one cycle should be set at no less than 180 degrees F ( 82 degrees C ). It is recommended that this temperature occur in the rinse cycle.
The "Guide" recommends that drop pans and troughs be flushed or hosed each day. This should be done with a tuberculocidal agent. It is a must that animals be kept dry during such procedures and that no aerosolization of feces or urine is generated.