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Zoonotic diseases

Zoonoses are diseases and infections including viruses, bacteria, parasites and fungi that are transmitted between animals and people. Innumerable case reports and epidemiologic studies have documented the occupational health hazards of zoonotic diseases from laboratory animals or their tissues in the conduct of biomedical research, teaching and testing.

The medical consequences of these infections have been as diverse as the group of involved etiologies themselves, ranging from no outward symptoms to severe illness and death. Animals carrying these infections may appear healthy even while carrying and shedding these organisms.

Methods of transmission from animals to people (and vice-versa) include both direct and indirect contact involving contaminated respiratory secretions, saliva, blood and other tissues, urine and feces, among others. Penetrating bites, scratches, and splashes of contaminated materials to the face of animal workers are therefore important to prevent. Spread to human beings in this context can also be minimized by proper selection and use of personal protective equipment (gloves, gowns, masks, eye/face protection, etc.), by proper work practices, and where possible by implementation of engineering controls such as safety needles, physical barriers and ventilation systems exhausted away from the hazard source. Indirect contact with contaminated surfaces or research instruments including sharps and soiled caging are likewise highly important contamination sources. Many zoonotic diseases are vector-borne, where bites from contaminated ticks, mosquitos, sandflies, mites, fleas and other invertebrates are important mechanisms of transmission so prevention of insect bites through proper clothing and proper use of insect repellents is important where they are present. Consumption of contaminated food or beverages is also an extremely important source of exposure and one of the reasons why eating and drinking in or near animal use areas is not allowed.

Most biomedical species of animals maintained in the University’s laboratory animal facilities are obtained by commercial vendors that have successfully eliminated all or most zoonotic agents from their colonies and ongoing health screening programs verify their absence. However, the broad variety of University faculty research programs involve many species, captive and wild, around the world, each with their own actual or potential set of zoonotic diseases. A number of additional species-specific resources from the University are available to investigators for their use in understanding the biology of zoonotic diseases and they may be helpful for staff training purposes. Please email iacuc@unr.edu to obtain access. The list of resources at the bottom of this page provide applicable background and guidance on the zoonotic disease risks and associated safe work practices for the species of animals most commonly encountered within the University's program of animal care and use.

Animal users should become informed about this topic, how to recognize infection, and where to seek evaluation and should implement treatment as soon as possible. Safe work practices regarding the housing, handling and use of animals should be implemented in all animal studies, whether captive or field-based, and pertinent details should be included within or appended to each corresponding IACUC protocol. The Animal Resources standard operating procedures used for the care of biomedical species include this information. In some cases, it may be necessary to obtain permission from the University’s Institutional Biosafety Committee in addition to the IACUC if there are known or likely zoonotic disease health risks associated with the handling and use of live or dead animals, or tissues obtained from them. Safe laboratory practices as instructed by Environmental Health & Safety are always expected and training in the University’s programs for this topic are available through Environmental Health & Safety. Also, as detailed in the certifications section of each IACUC protocol, the Principal Investigator must certify the following obligations for all of their personnel working with animals:

• Must enroll in the University's Occupational Health Program to work with animals
• Must be trained in the safe work practices for animal handling and use, including zoonotic disease prevention
• Must be educated about other (physical/chemical/biological/environmental) project-related hazards and their prevention
• Will be held responsible for pursuing and documenting their training in the project’s applicable written animal care and research procedures
• Must adhere to the terms and conditions of this protocol as approved by IACUC

Animal allergies

Animal handlers are at increased risk for work-related allergies, most commonly to rodents and rabbits, and sensitized persons with ongoing uncontrolled exposures can sometimes experience asthma and even anaphylaxis on occasion. A risk assessment with respiratory protection requirements exists for identifying and limiting exposure to these allergens. This has been developed specifically for the University and core features of this hazard have been imbedded into the occupational health program for animal workers. Allergies to other species of animals are also well documented, but there are fewer surveys about this topic as it applies to animal research and teaching environments. In all cases, animal workers within the University’s program of animal care and use must participate in the Occupational Health Surveillance System, which involves an online risk assessment and medical review process. Read more information and frequently asked questions regarding laboratory animal allergies and their prevention. The occupational health physician should always be contacted for an evaluation as soon as possible in the event that an individual is experiencing health symptoms consistent with work-related animal allergies so that appropriate diagnostics and preventive measures can be implemented.