Animal Biological Safety

There are various types of hazards present when working with animals and/or within an animal facility such as physical, biological, and chemical hazards.  Therefore, it is vital for lab workers knowing the hazards when working with animals and follow the safe work practices established and implemented by the principal investigator, the university, and IACUC.

Identifying the hazards begins with a risk assessment.

Risk Assessment Factors

  • Biological Agent / Pathogen
  • Animal Species / Model
    • Weakened or suppressed immune system?
    • Any natural infections or signs of infection?
    • Shedding via animal excrements?
    • Route of transmission and susceptible host?
  • Procedures
    • Blood Collection
    • Necropsy
    • Use of Anesthesia
  • Personnel
    • Knowledge/Experience with animal, biological agent, procedures
  • Protective Equipment
    • Appropriate PPE / Engineering Controls / Safety Equipment

Animal Biosafety Level 

Arthropod Containment Levels

  • Indigenous species are those species whose current range includes the research location.  All others are considered exotic.
  • Uninfected arthropods would be:
    1. inviable as a result of exposure to unfavorable conditions;
    2. transient because conditions vary such that the arthropod would die during typical year climate cycle; or
    3. has potential for establishment because escaped arthropods could reasonably be expected to persist through a typical climatic year

 

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