Evaluation of common diseases in laboratory animals

Abstract

Disease is a disorder in humans, animals or plants caused by infection, pathogen, diet or faulty functioning of a process. Laboratory animals are prone to some of these diseases. This study was undertaken to evaluate common diseases found in laboratory animals in our environment. 200 animals consisting of rats, mice, rabbit and guinea pig weighing 150-200g (rats), 30-50g (mice) were used. Each species consisted of 40 animals. The results of this study indicated that about 21 diseases were observed. On evaluation, 9 diseases were common to rat and mice, 4 diseases were common to all animals, while 4 other diseases were common to rabbit and guinea pig.

Key Words: Diseases, animals, evaluation.