TROPLIST: Free frogs; new shipping method; postdoc position

[Mustafa Khokha]

Hello everyone.

I have a few things I'd like to share.

1.  We have ~300 F11 Nigerian froglets in surplus.  If anyone would  
like these frogs, we'd be happy to provide them to you.
They just recently completed metamorphosis and are otherwise healthy,  
but obviously would need some raising before
they could be used.  We're anxious to ship these animals or cull them  
soon since they are occupying a fair amount of space
in our colony.  If anyone is interested, we'll simply ask you to pay  
for shipment and send the frogs out.  We'd like to do this
next week (before winter break) so please contact me right away if  
you are interested.

2.  Related to the froglets, we've recently shipped frogs using foam  
instead of moss which worked much better both for the packaging
and the health of the frogs.  I've attached the protocol to the  
bottom of this email and will upload it to our trop website soon.

3.  finally there is a postdoc position available here at Yale to  
perform forward genetic screens in X. tropicalis using either  
chemical or
insertional mutagens.  Anyone interested is encouraged to contact me.

Thanks.
Mustafa


SHIPPING:


Note: We have recently modified the way we ship our frogs and the  
supplies used. The previous method outlined at the end of this  
protocol, although still very practical and safe, was very time  
consuming and not as effective as desired. Through various trial  
shipments and packaging materials, we have revealed a much improved  
way to ship our frogs. This new techniques is not only minimal in  
cost, but extremely efficient with high survival rates.

Supplies:


c   Poly Foam (AmeriFoam ®) 2” x 22” x 22”, Michaels Crafts, Item #  
40356515339, $8/pad

c   Twisty ties/ rubber bands, Corporate Express, EXP00608, $1.70/bag

c   Cardboard box with inner Styrofoam container, http:// 
www.polyfoam.com/content.cfm/eps, prices vary; or collect boxes from  
any stock room, receiving dock, or laboratory

c   Packaging tape, Corporate Express, CEB48504, $2.42/roll

c   Sphagnum Moss, https://www.secureserver.com/mosserlee/ 
orderonline.html, Item # ML01209, $26.50

c   “ZIPLOC” containers, http://www.walgreens.com/store/product.jsp? 
CATID=305128&navAction=jump&navCount=0&id=prod16315, $3.29/case (4  
per case)

c   Contractor bags (or biohazard bags for smaller shipments),  
Lowe’s, Item #: 74555, $11.58/38 bags

c   Foam bricks/ gel packs, http://www.polyfoam.com/content.cfm/ 
polar_pack



How to Package X. tropicalis (New Method):

Step 1: Depending on the amount of frogs being shipped, find a box  
that will comfortably accommodate them all. We usually ship  
approximately 50 frogs in a box with dimensions 16 x 14 x 22”. We  
have only used this method a handful of times and although we find it  
very effective, please take precautionary measures if you wish to  
ship a larger density of frogs in a box this same size. Remove all  
other labels from box, such as dry ice symbols or past shipping labels.

Step 2: (Optional): If shipping during cold periods or for long  
flights we recommend using heat packs. Incubate heat packs or heat  
bricks (see Supplies) at 37 degrees overnight.

Step 3: Cut the polyfoam into pieces that will later be used as  
filler for the inside of the box. The pieces should be slightly more  
than half the size of a tennis ball. These foam pieces serve multi- 
purposes. First, they are used to absorb water and help to maintain a  
wet and moist environment. Secondly, they create additional space for  
the frogs to move around so they are not stacked on top each other.

Step 4: Before arranging the Poly Foam pieces into the Styrofoam  
container, we recommend that you soak them in water for a couple of  
hours prior. This allows the pieces to absorb all the water and  
retain moisture.

Step 5: (if individuals or more than one clutch being shipped): Put  
individuals into ZIPLOC containers, with smaller foam pieces some  
damp some squeezed, filling to top of container with room for the  
frogs to move. Limit up to 4 frogs per container, up to 8 froglets  
depending on size. Seal containers with packing tape and label lids  
with VWR marker or lab tape. All containers should be secured either  
by more foam or packing materials to ensure tipping will not occur.

Step 6: (optional): Arrange heat bricks or heat packs along the  
bottom of the Styrofoam container. Do not allow the heat packs to  
come in direct contact with the frogs, as they can harm frog skin.

Step 7: Line the inside of the Styrofoam container with the  
contractor bag. Place pre-moistened filler pieces inside the  
container squeezing some and leaving others damp. Fill the box to the  
top with foam.

Step 8: Place the frogs (or the ZIPLOC containers) to be shipped into  
the box and seal the contractor bag, loosely, with the twisty tie- 
offs or rubber band. Make sure to trap air inside the bag when  
sealing it off. Seal the box tightly with packaging tape and be sure  
to label the outside with the appropriate label: “LIVE FROGS” “DO NOT  
FREEZE” “DO NOT HEAT” “THIS SIDE UP”. Double check that all other  
labels are removed from the outer package.

Precautions/Warnings: Please do not attempt to poke holes in the  
contractor bag or in the shipping box for breathing purposes. It has  
been our experience that holes often lead to leaking containers.  
These wet and leaking containers are then unacceptable for continued  
shipment and can get delayed in transit. We have had multiple  
episodes where frogs were injured or died due to dehydration from  
prolonged travel times or leaky containers.


Mustafa K. Khokha
Assistant Professor, Pediatrics & Genetics
Yale University School of Medicine
333 Cedar Street/LCI 305
PO Box 208064						
New Haven CT 06520-8064			
Ph: (203) 785-4651
Fax: (203) 785-5833

For Courier Shipments
333 Cedar Street/FMP 425
New Haven CT 06520-8064			



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