New England Regional Biosafety Laboratory Vivarium Capabilities

Designed for ABSL3 work, the vivarium includes the animal holding areas of the NE-RBL, as well as the aerobiology suite and insectary. The vivarium and its support space occupy over half of the NE-RBL laboratory floor. Each of the holding suites features room for 4 racks per suite, with in-room procedure areas and biosafety cabinets, as well as a central watering system.

Support features within the vivarium include

• ventilated cage racks for housing rodents, rabbits and ferrets,
• gnotobiotic piglet isolator housing,
• automated watering systems,
• a tissue digester,
• cage and rack washers,
• feed and bedding storage,
• and two bulk autoclaves.

Aerobiology Suite

The aerobiology suite is designed for the study of airborne transmission of pathogens, aerosol delivery of therapeutics and aerosol challenge studies. Key to this area is a Class II, Type A2 Biosafety Cabinet connected to a Class III Glove box.

Insectary

The NE-RBL's insectary is designed to support into insect-borne illnesses. The suite will allow investigators to understand better how disease is transmitted by ticks, mosquitoes, and other vectors.