What does "barrier-sustained" refer to in laboratory animal care?

"Barrier-sustained" refers to a colony that is protected against microbial contamination. This concept is crucial in laboratory animal care as it aims to maintain the health and integrity of the animal population by minimizing exposure to infectious agents. Such colonies are established and maintained using specific practices and environments that limit the introduction and spread of pathogens, which can complicate research results and impact animal welfare.

The benefits of a barrier-sustained system include reduced variability in experimental outcomes and improved animal health, as well as increased biosecurity. This type of system often employs specialized housing, controlled access for personnel, and stringent sanitation protocols to ensure that animals are kept in a pathogen-free or low-pathogen environment.

In contrast, while a diet free of contaminants is important for general animal care, it does not specifically address microbial contamination at the colony level. Minimal human contact is essential for some housing systems but does not capture the essence of what barrier-sustained means, which focuses on microbial protection. Immunization procedures are significant for disease prevention but are not directly related to the concept of maintaining a barrier against contamination within a colony.