What is Napa Nectar?
Napa Nectar is an inert commercially available water gel pack used as a replacement for water bottles. We have used this product for many years to ship animals and to provide additional water to young animals. The ingredient analysis can be viewed at  Napa Product Analysis. More information is available at the Napa Nectar web site.
Why use Napa Nectar and not treated feed?
The Napa Nectar is being used to reach younger animals that start seeking water before they begin to eat solid food. The fenbendazole is uniformly distributed through the gel and delivers a consistent dose to animals.
How is the Napa Nectar delivered?
Napa Nectar is used on an every other week schedule. The gel pouch replaces the water bottle during the treatment week. A 2-3" X shaped slit is made in the bottom of the gel pack and mice consume the gel out of the bag. It is important that the slit be made when the bag is placed on the cage. Push some of the gel out of the bag and place the bag on the cage. The bag can be placed on the cage bottom or in the wire bar lid. Figures 1 and 2 below illustrate how the bag is placed in the cage.
Figure 1: Napa Nectar on the cage replacing the water bottle
Figure 2: Creating a slit in the bag to give mice access to the gel. Can I opt out?
Unfortunately no. The first round of treatment greatly reduced the incidence of pinworm in the facility. The few places where infection remained were from areas in some way associated with a previously infected colony. e.g. investigators with animals in both areas. We are taking advantage of the upcoming moves to isolate and eliminate pathogens and this is another important step in that process.
Can I also place a water bottle on the cage?
Only by special arrangement in advance with the husbandry manager. A limited number of animals may be treated with fenbendazole feed if investigators demonstrate a need to go that route.
Where can I get extra bags?
Extra bags are going to placed in the animal rooms for use by investigators. Please be certain to make a small slit in the bag when placing a bag on a cage.
|
