Regulatory considerations in the transportation of laboratory rodents.

The transportation standards of the Animal Welfare Act do not cover rats and mice, however, commercial carriers apply them to all species. These regulations, which outline such areas as packaging standards, terminal conditions and temperature parameters, are an example of governmental regulatory overkill. Air cargo deregulation also has had a negative impact on transportation of animals. We in the research community must work affirmatively within the legislative and regulatory process rather than responding defensively to proposed regulations.