How can I use the EMMA axenic (germ-free) service?

To use the EMMA axenic service you have to complete the EMMA Axenic Service Request Form. Requests will be evaluated within 30 days by the EMMA Evaluation Committee. They will be handled on a ‘first come, first served’ basis. You should be able to provide 6 females and 3 males, ideally of SPF status. Within this service EMMA offers to transfer 2 litters of mice into a germ-free environment and support their development to weaning age or EMMA will support the maturation of 2 female and 2 male pups up to breeding age.

The germ-free service is funded by the European Commission’s FP7 Capacities Specific Programme and is free of charge. However, the costs of mouse transportation to and from the EMMA facilities have to be covered by the customers.

Further germ-free services including additional production, housing and experimentation can be arranged with the collaborating institutes on a cost recovery basis.

EMMA’s germ-free service is not restricted to strains that are archived with EMMA and EMMA does not require germ-free strains to be made publicly available.