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