US Patent 11974546 Animal cage-sample collection apparatus

Apparatuses, systems, and methods for the collection and sampling of agents (including organisms and pathogens) to determine the health of an animal colony. The apparatus includes a perforated housing that incorporates a collection media. The collection media is configured to collect a sample from a target animal, such as a mouse or rat, through the perforations of the housing when the target animal interacts with the perforated housing. The collected sample may include dust, feces, fur, urine, saliva, or other aspect of the target animal's environment.