University of Maryland College Park
Occupational Health
Animal Handler Health and Safety Program
Revised
Purpose
The purpose of the Animal Handler Health and Safety Program (AHHSP) is to
protect the health of personnel and laboratory animals by providing:
1. Health and safety information related to the use and care of animals.
2. Occupationally indicated immunizations.
3. Clinical care for individuals with animal related injuries and illnesses.
General
1. The AHHSP is part of the University’s Occupational Health Program.
Occupational Health is located in the Health Center in Room 0106. Hours of
operation are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Wednesday. Appointments
may be made by calling (301) 314-8184.
2. University groups responsible for this program are:
University Health Center (UHC)
Urgent Care: (301) 314-9144
Occupational Health: (301) 314-8172
http://www.health.umd.edu/
Department of Environmental Safety (DES)
(301) 405-3960
http://www.des.umd.edu/
Institutional Animal Care and Use Office (IACUC)
Amanda Underwood, IACUC Manager
(301) 405-5037
http://www.umresearch.umd.edu/IACUC/
Department of Laboratory Animal Resources (DLAR)
Dr. Doug Powell, Attending Veterinarian
(301) 405-4921
http://www.umresearch.umd.edu/IACUC/carf.htm
Eligibility
1. Faculty, staff and students who have direct animal contact are required to enroll in
the AHHSP prior to working with any species of vertebrate animals. This
Animal Handler Health and Safety Program
includes personnel who handle live animals, unpreserved tissues or body fluids,
animal cages, cage accessories, animal waste or carcasses (direct contact).
2. Faculty, staff and students with indirect animal contact work in areas where
animals are used or housed, but do not handle or touch the animals. Participation
in the AHHSP is optional for these individuals. The PI or facility manager is
responsible for notifying these individuals that they should consider enrollment.
3. Laboratory, maintenance, housekeeping, security, and other personnel who
perform job duties in animal environments. Participation in the AHHSP is
optional for these individuals. Each department that could potentially send
employees into animal spaces is provided the AHHSP and educated on enrollment
policies which are then provided to those working in designated animal zones.
4. Students in course curricula that require the use of vertebrate animals are not
required to participate in the AHHSP but are offered enrollment.
5. Visiting scholars and volunteers who handle vertebrate animals are required to
participate in the AHHSP if they handle animals for more than 3 months during
their visit or work with bats for any amount of time. They are not required to
participate in the AHHSP if they already participate in an analogous program at
their home institution.
6. Visitors to University sanctioned events (ie. Ag Day) are not covered by this
policy. Any event that includes animal activities will provide appropriate hand
washing stations and signage to alert visitors of potential hazards from interacting
with animals.
Procedure
The mandatory requirements for enrollment are:
1. Completion of the Animal Handler Risk Assessment form, available at
http://www.health.umd.edu/services/occupationalhealth.html. The form must be
signed by the Principal Investigator (PI) or supervisor. The Risk Assessment
form must be updated any time there is a change in animal related duties, animal
species, or the health status of the participant. If species are added or deleted, the
Risk Assessment form should be re-submitted listing ALL animals, not just the
new species.
2. Completion of the Animal Handler Immunization and Allergy History form, also
available at http://www.health.umd.edu/services/occupationalhealth.html. If
available, documentation of tetanus vaccination within the last 10 years should
accompany this form.
3. Submission of completed Risk Assessment and Immunization/allergy forms to
Occupational Health/Health Center, Campus Drive, Bldg. 140, Room 0106,
College Park, MD 29742. Review and approval of the completed forms by
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Animal Handler Health and Safety Program
Occupational Health is required before the individual is cleared to work with
vertebrate animals. Notification of program enrollment is sent to the individual’s
supervisor. Participants can access their clearance records at
https://des.umd.edu/training/viewanemp.cfm.
4. Completion of training.
A. Participants must complete the Principal Investigator/Animal User (PI/AU)
training sponsored by the University Attending Veterinarian. Excerpts of the
AHHSP description will be provided to training recipients.
B. Individuals who have indirect animal contact and are not enrolled in the
program should complete animal-specific training at the discretion of the
facility manager where they work. This training is provided by the facility
managers and will be documented at the facility level.
C. Training for students in course curricula where animals are used is directed by
the course syllabus and provided by the instructor.
D. Volunteers and visiting scholars must complete animal-specific training
depending on their work functions. Conducting and documenting this training
is the responsibility of sponsoring faculty or staff.
E. Subject matter for training is listed in Appendix A.
Program Elements
1. General
A. Enrollment in the AHHSP is typically granted for three years, and is tracked
in a database maintained by Occupational Health and the Department of
Environmental Safety. To maintain enrollment, individuals must update the
Immunization and Allergy History form every three years, and immunizations
must be kept current.
B. Limits: The AHHSP is not meant to cover all the specific concerns that might
be encountered in animal facilities, areas or labs, or to limit the requirements
of these sites. Nor does this program intend to establish requirements for
experiments that have special safety requirements such as the use of infectious
disease organisms, hazardous chemicals, lasers or radiation sources, or for
individuals with special health needs such as pregnancy or immune
deficiency.
C. Specific Risks
1. Tetanus vaccination is required every 10 years to work with any vertebrate
animal.
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Animal Handler Health and Safety Program
2. Individuals working with bats, feral animals and sheep are required to
schedule an appointment with Occupational Health for further evaluation.
3. Rabies immunization is provided to individuals who have direct contact
with research animals potentially infected with rabies; who work with
potentially infected body organs or perform post-mortem examinations on
selected animals with a history of poorly defined neurological disorders;
or who capture or destroy wild animals on campus. Immunization and
titer schedules are based on CDC guidelines. Titers will be drawn every
two years (Risk Category considered frequent.)
4. Individuals who are at risk for asthma and/or animal allergies based on
their Laboratory Animal Handler Immunization and Allergy History form
will be notified by Occupational Health to schedule an appointment for
further evaluation. Any individual with a history of respiratory problems,
animal allergy, or any other related medical problem that the healthcare
provider deems appropriate may require a baseline pulmonary function
test before working with animals.
5. Individuals at risk of exposure to Q-fever include those who handle or use
products of parturition or material contaminated by them (i.e., placenta,
amniotic fluid, blood or bedding) from sheep, cattle or cats; and/or
individuals with valvular or congenital heart defects, vascular grafts and
those who are immunosuppressed. These individuals are advised of the
potential risks involved and medical clearance for duty will be determined
on a case-by-case basis by the medical provider.
6. Nonhuman primates are not housed at the University. For injuries
associated with non-fixed nonhuman primate tissues, CDC guidelines will
be followed.
D. Injuries and Exposures. Individuals who have an injury or an exposure from
working with or around animals need to adhere to the following procedure:
1. Perform the necessary first aid.
2. Report to the Information Desk at the Health Center. If after hours, advice
may be obtained from the After Hours Nurse Line at (301) 314-9386. If
the injury is potentially severe, individuals should call 911 or report to the
nearest emergency room.
3. Employees and supervisors must complete the Report of Work-Related
Injury forms. The forms can be found at:
http://www.des.umd.edu/riskcomm/wcomp/form/wcomp.pdf
4. Individuals must report the injury as soon as possible to their sponsoring
faculty member, instructor or supervisor.
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Animal Handler Health and Safety Program
E. Medical Records. Occupational Health records are maintained by the Health
Center. Workers’ compensation records are maintained by the Department of
Environmental Safety.
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Animal Handler Health and Safety Program
Appendix A - Training
1. Needle use and disposal. After their use, needles should immediately be placed in
an approved sharps disposal container. These containers should always be in the
immediate area where needles are used and never be overfilled. Disposal of the
containers is through DES.
2. Hand Washing. Even when using gloves, hand washing is important in the
prevention of the spread of infectious organisms or other contaminants to both
personnel and animals. While the use of exam gloves will greatly decrease the
spread of contaminants from a person’s hands, they will not completely eliminate
this transfer due to micro- breaks in the glove materials, regardless of type. To be
effective, hand washing for 15 to 30 seconds with soap coupled with copious
rinsing with free flowing water is required. In situations where hand washing is
impractical, or as a supplement to hand washing, alcohol-based hand sanitizing
agents are recommended for use. In all situations, hands should be washed after
handling any potential source of infection; when exiting any animal facility or
laboratory; and prior to consuming any food or drink.
3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
A. PPE requirements for working with animals used at the University are listed in
the tables found in Appendix A. PPE requirements vary between species,
facilities and activities. Open-toed shoes and exposed legs are generally not
allowed in animal rooms.
B. While masks (surgical or dust/mist respirators) are not required in most
situations, their use is permitted if potential exposure to animal allergens is a
concern to animal handlers. Dust/mist respirators provide better protection
from allergens than surgical masks. If respiratory protection is necessary or
requested, the Department of Environmental Safety must be contacted ((301)
405-3960) to evaluate respiratory hazards and recommend appropriate
respiratory protection devices. If dust/mist respirators are used on a voluntary
basis, contact the Department of Environmental Safety to schedule one-time,
required training.
C. Non-disposable PPE such as lab coats or scrubs should be laundered on-site in
specified laundry rooms or by a professional laundry service aware of
potential hazards (not at home). A designated hook/storage area in the lab to
hang lab coats should be designated before leaving the laboratory instead of
wearing it back to the office or other public areas leading to contamination of
those environments.
D. In course curricula that require the use of animals, PPE must be used as
directed by the course syllabus.
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Animal Handler Health and Safety Program
4. Food and Drink. Food and drink intended for human consumption are not
permitted in animal or laboratory areas. The application of cosmetics or contact
lenses is not permitted in animal or laboratory areas.
5. Pregnancy. If an individual plans to become pregnant or finds she is pregnant,
she should contact her personal physician to discuss potential hazards in her work
environment.
6. Chemical Safety. All hazardous chemicals used in laboratories and animal
facilities must be listed on the site’s Chemical Hygiene Plan. The plan must also
include work practices, procedures and policies to address potential hazards.
Training in the handling of hazardous chemicals is the responsibility of DES and
the PI (http://www.des.umd.edu/compliance/factsheet/chemhygiene.html).
7. Biological agents. Training in the handling of biological agents used in animal
laboratories and animal facilities is the responsibility of DES and the PI
(http://www.des.umd.edu/biosafety/infectious/index.html).
8. Regulated waste. Hazardous and regulated waste must be handled in accordance
with the University of Maryland waste disposal guidelines found at
http://www.des.umd.edu/hw/rest/manual/index.html. DES must be contacted for
pick up of regulated medical waste containers.
9. Physical Injuries. Physical injuries can occur from bites and scratches by bats,
ferrets, rabbits, rodents, swine, or any animal with claws and teeth or from their
immediate surroundings. Physical strain or trauma from working with animals
may occur when lifting the animals improperly or using inadequate/improper
restraint techniques. The key to prevention of these types of injuries is proper
training of research personnel by qualified individuals who have a background in
performing restraint with the species and procedures to be performed.
10. Zoonotic Diseases. Zoonotic diseases are those that can be transmitted from
animals to humans. Zoonotic diseases for each species used at the University are
described below. Although not common, there is a potential for exposure to such
diseases when handling animals and/or tissues. The prevention, detection, and
eradication of zoonotic diseases from the animal facility are a primary concern of
all who work with the animals. Unfixed animal tissues, animal waste materials,
as well as the animals themselves may also transmit zoonotic diseases. The use of
proper PPE can reduce this risk.
11. Allergic Hazards. Allergic hazards are associated with breathing or contacting
animal hair, dander, or protein allergens. Exposure may cause acute allergies to
these (or similar allergens) or the development of allergies later in life. To reduce
exposure to allergens, and therefore sensitization, individuals should wear PPE
required for the species or procedure to be performed.
12. Rodent and Rabbit Species
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Animal Handler Health and Safety Program
A. Zoonotic Disease: Most zoonotic threats from rodents come from wild caught
species used for research, the use of contaminated rodent products or from
feral rodents gaining access to research animals. Table 1 lists some prevalent
pathogens that are transmissible from rodent and rabbit species to humans that
can be of concern. The two most common zoonotic pathogens associated with
rodents are Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis virus and Hantavirus.
B. Allergy: Allergic skin and respiratory reactions are quite common in
personnel working with laboratory animals. Hypersensitivity reactions to
animal allergens are serious occupational health problems that develop in
many individuals after repeated exposure. Hypersensitivity reactions include
nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, itching of the eyes, asthma and a
variety of skin manifestations such as redness, localized itching and flaking
skin, and hives. Of the species used in biomedical research, the guinea pig,
rabbit, mouse and rat appear to be the most allergenic. Urinary and salivary
proteins from the animal’s fur, bedding, and caging are known sources of
allergens.
Methods of prevention involve using engineering controls, administrative
controls, and PPE. In practice this will include reduction of direct animal
contact time, use of biological safety cabinets, filter tops on animal cages,
ventilated caging rack systems, HEPA filtered bedding dump stations, and
protective clothing, surgical masks, or respirators when working with these
species.
C. Wounds: Training in proper handling and restraint of rabbits and rodents is the
single most effective measure in protecting personnel from bites and scratches
from these species. Bite protection gloves can be helpful when working with
fractious rodent species, and wearing long sleeves while handling rabbits can
help in avoiding scratches
D. Protective Measures. Table 2 outlines recommendations for specific activities
associated with different risks of exposure from rodent and rabbit species.
13. Carnivore Species
A. Zoonoses: The most commonly used carnivore used at University laboratories
is the ferret. Rabies is the most significant zoonotic disease associated with
carnivores and is typically transmitted through bites and scratches and rarely
by fomites (inanimate objects). A number of parasitic organisms are also of
concern. Even though research animals go through a specific quarantine
process, because they may be from random sources, they can still contract and
harbor certain zoonotic diseases. In addition, personnel who work with
carnivores must be aware that they can serve as vectors for the transmission of
infectious agents between their own animals and the same or similar species
that they support at UMCP. Table 3 lists some prevalent pathogens
transmissible from carnivores to humans that can be of concern.
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Animal Handler Health and Safety Program
B. Allergies. Allergies to ferrets can occur and may sensitize workers to other lab
species such as mice and rats. Allergies are most commonly thought of with
regards to cats whose major allergy proteins are in the sebaceous glands of the
skin that coat oil on the hair shaft and in their saliva. Allergic reactions to cats
can come from contact with the fur or aerosolization/inhalation of the
proteins. Methods of prevention include reduction in contact with the fur of
cats (i.e. avoidance, or full coverage of arms and hands), and possibly the use
of a surgical mask if aerosol contact is a potential (i.e. spraying down cages or
runs).
C. Wounds. Besides rabies, bites and scratches from all carnivores, but especially
cats, are often associated with bacterial infections that can cause significant
morbidity, and rarely, mortality. All facilities should have appropriate
standard operating procedures for first aid of wounds.
D. Protective Measures. Table 4 outlines recommendations for specific activities
associated with different risks of exposure from carnivore species.
14. Ungulate Species
A. Zoonotic Disease. Zoonotic diseases associated with ungulate holding
facilities are usually limited when the animals are kept in closed herds with
proper vaccination and herd health programs. However, if they are kept in
outdoor housing areas, they can still acquire and harbor certain zoonotic
diseases. Of particular concern is the rickettsial disease caused by Coxiella
burnetii, commonly known as Q Fever which can be found in sheep, goats and
cattle, but is most prevalent in sheep. Q fever has a high infection rate
throughout the US. Individuals at risk of exposure to Q-fever include those
who handle or use products of parturition or material contaminated by them
(i.e., placenta, amniotic fluid, blood or bedding) from sheep, cattle or cats;
and/or individuals with valvular or congenital heart defects, vascular grafts
and those who are immunosuppressed. These individuals are advised of the
potential risks involved and medical clearance for duty will be determined on
a case-by-case basis by the medical provider. Characteristics of infection with
Coxiella burnettii:
1. The incubation period averages 20 days, with a range of 14-39 days.
2. Signs and symptoms of acute infection include the sudden onset of severe
headache, fever of 104o F or greater, chills and myalgias. The patient may
present with pneumonitis or clinical hepatitis. Treatment is initiated as
soon as diagnosis is suspected.
3. Serologic confirmation of the diagnosis is accomplished three months later
using enzyme immunoassay (EIA) testing of serum samples obtained at
the time of initial report, at two weeks and every 30 days from that day for
three months. Samples are sent to the Maryland state Health Laboratory.
The employee’s work status depends upon the severity of the symptoms.
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Animal Handler Health and Safety Program
Although rare in the US, caution should be used when handling non-fixed
neural and ocular tissue from cattle because of the possibility of exposure to
prions related to Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy. Table 5 lists some
prevalent pathogens transmissible from ungulates to humans that can be of
concern.
B. Allergies. Allergies to cattle and horses have been reported, but are much less
common than those to small laboratory animals.
C. Wounds. Because of the size of these species, injuries from being stepped on,
kicked or butted can result from improper handling and restraint. Bite wounds
may also occur. Training in proper use of halters, ropes and other restraint
equipment is recommended. Wounds occurring when handling ungulates
should receive proper and immediate disinfection.
D. Protective Measures. Table 6 outlines recommendations for specific activities
associated with different risks of exposure to ungulate species.
15. Fish, Reptiles and Amphibians
A. Zoonotic Disease. Zoonotic diseases associated with fish, reptile and
amphibian research holding facilities are infrequent in incidence, but can
occur. Table 7 lists some prevalent pathogens transmissible from fish and frog
species to humans that can be of concern.
B. Allergy. Aerosolized fish proteins can be a source of allergic reactions for
people and symptoms can range from allergic rhinitis to asthma. There are
also reports of occasional reactions to frog skin and secretions that range from
cutaneous to respiratory signs.
C. Protective Measures. Table 8 outlines recommendations for activities
associated with fish and frog species.
16. Bats
A. Zoonoses. Although relatively rare, rabies is the most significant zoonotic
disease associated with bats and is typically transmitted through bites and
scratches. Aerosolization of the virus in feces is possible, though transmission
to humans is rare. When housed indoors, contact with other pathogens is
unlikely. Wild- caught animals, however, can still harbor zoonotic pathogens.
Vaccination against rabies is common practice, but vaccines are not approved
for bats and 100% protection is unlikely. Table 9 lists some prevalent
pathogens transmissible from bats to humans that can be of concern.
B. Wounds. Besides rabies, bites and scratches from bats may be associated with
bacterial infections that can cause significant morbidity. Facilities should
have appropriate standard operating procedures for first aid of wounds.
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Animal Handler Health and Safety Program
C. Protective Measures. Table 10 outlines recommendations for specific
activities associated with different risks of exposure from bats.
17. Birds
A. Zoonotic Disease. Birds housed at the University include chickens, turkeys,
quail, ducks, pheasants, pigeons, budgies, lorikeets, canaries, finches and
owls. Zoonotic diseases associated with birds are infrequent in incidence, but
can occur. Birds are the main reservoir for human infections of Chlamydial
disease. Salmonella is also relatively common. Table 11 lists some prevalent
pathogens transmissible from avian species to humans that can be of concern.
B. Allergy. Aerosolized feather dander can be a source of allergic reactions for
people and symptoms can range from allergic rhinitis to asthma.
C. Wounds. Training in proper handling and restraint of birds is the single most
effective measure in protecting personnel from bites and scratches from these
species. Bite protection gloves can be helpful when working with fractious
species.
D. Protective measures. Table 12 outlines recommendations for activities
associated with different risks of exposure from birds. Bite protection gloves
are required when handling birds of prey.
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Animal Handler Health and Safety Program
Table 1 - Prevalent Zoonotic Diseases of Rodents and Rabbits
Zoonosis
Agent
Species
Routes of
Transmission
Bites, fecal-oral (S.
moniliformis)
Bites (S. minus)
Aerosol, bites, direct
contact, fecal-oral
Streptobacillus
moniliformes
Spririllum minus
LCM virus
Rodents
Hantavirus pulmonary
syndrome
Hantavirus
Rodents
Aerosol
Cheyletiellosis
Cheletiella
parasitovorax
Trichophyton sp.
Misrosporum sp.
Hymenolepsis nana
Rabbits
Direct contact
Rodents/Rabbits
Direct contact,
fomites
Fecal-oral
Rat Bite Fever
Lymphocytic
Choriomeningitis
Ringworm
Tapeworm
Rodents
Rodents
Table 2 – Protective Clothing Requirements for Personnel in Rodent and Rabbit
Facilities
Activity
Enter animal holding room (conventional,
microisolator or ventilated rack) for brief
visual inspection
Enter animal holding room (conventional,
microisolator or ventilated rack) for any
reason. Animals maintained pathogen free.
Contact with primary enclosures
Direct contact with animals
Cage cleaning or change out
Harvesting tissues from animals in procedure
room or lab
Requirements
(Hand washing should be performed upon
leaving all animal facilities)
Street clothes covering or uniform
Uniform covering or street clothing covering;
gloves; mask; shoe covers (even when
wearing dedicated shoes); head cover
Street clothes covering or uniform
Street clothes covering or uniform; exam
gloves; Masks recommended to minimize
allergen exposure as needed.
Street clothes covering or uniform; exam
gloves; masks and eye protection appropriate
for the risk of exposure to allergens and
chemical agents
Street clothes covering or uniform (scrub top
is acceptable); exam gloves
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Animal Handler Health and Safety Program
Table 3 - Prevalent Zoonotic Diseases of Carnivores
Zoonosis
Agent
Species
Capnocytophaga
canimorsus
Bartonella henselae
(cat scratch fever)
Pasturella multocida
Rabies virus
(Lyssavirus)
Bite and scratch
bacterial agents
Rabies
Dematomycoses
(Ringworm)
Microsporum sp.
Trichophyton sp.
Acariasis
Sarcoptes scabei
Cat, Ferret
Cat
Car, Ferret
Cat, Ferret
Cat,
Routes of
Transmission
Direct contact
Bite
Scratch
Bite, scratch, fomite
Contact with saliva,
brain
Direct contact, fomite
Ferret
Cat, Ferret
Direct contact
Table 4 – Protective Clothing Requirements for Personnel in Carnivore Facilities
Activity
Requirements
(Hand washing should be performed upon
leaving all animal facilities)
Street clothes covering or uniform
Street clothes covering or uniform; dedicated
shoes or shoe covers; exam gloves; and
mucous membrane protection as appropriate
Street clothes covering or uniform; exam
gloves for clinical procedures: exam gloves
may not be required for general handling or
enrichment
Street clothes may be worn; exam gloves
when handling prosthetics
Enter into animal runs or pens
Cleaning procedures for caging
Direct contact with animals in animal
facilities
Direct contact with animals in labs
Table 5 - Prevalent Zoonotic Diseases of Ungulates
Zoonosis
Q Fever
Coxiella burnetti
Sheep, Cattle,
Goats
Tuberculosis
Mycobacterium
bovis, avium or
tuberculosis
Pox virus
Sheep, Cattle,
swine
Routes of
Transmission
Aerosol or direct
contact; especially
when dealing with
birth products
Aerosol or direct
contact
Sheep, Goats
Direct contact
Campylobacter jejuni
Cattle, Swine,
Sheep
Cattle, Sheep,
Goats, Swine
Fecal/oral
Contageous Ecthyma
(Orf)
Campylobacteriosis
Dermatomycoses
(Ringworm)
Agent
Species
Trichophyton or
Microsporum spp.
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Direct contact
Animal Handler Health and Safety Program
Bovine Spongiform
Encephalopathy
Prion
Cattle
Direct blood/tissue
contact with infected
tissue or
contaminated
material
Table 6 – Protective Clothing Requirements for Personnel in Ungulate Facilities
Activity
Requirements
(Hand washing should be performed upon
leaving all animal facilities)
Street clothes may be worn
Entry into indoor or outdoor animal holding
areas
Direct contact with animals
Street clothes covering or uniform; exam
gloves for clinical procedures; exam gloves
may not be required for socialization or
enrichment procedures
Uniform or street clothes covering; exam or
other protective gloves. Dedicated shoes or
rubber work boots are recommended.
Mucous membrane protection should be
used as is appropriate.
Uniform or street clothes covering; exam
gloves and mucous membrane protection.
Dedicated shoes or rubber work boots are
recommended
Cleaning animal holding areas (indoor or
outdoor)
Contact with pregnant sheep\goats\cattle;
during parturition, their birth products, bedding
and other wastes
Table 7 - Prevalent Zoonotic Diseases of Fish, Amphibians & Reptiles
Zoonosis
Agent
Species
Mycobacterium
xenopi, fortuitum,
marinum, chelonei
Salmonella spp.
Vibrio vulnificus
Mycobacteriosis
Salmonellosis
Vibriosis
Fish, Frogs
Routes of
Transmission
Breaks in skin surface
Frogs
Fish
Breaks in skin surface
Breaks in skin surface
Table 8 – Protective Clothing Requirements for Personnel in Fish, Amphibians &
Reptiles
Activity
Direct handling of fish
Direct handling of frogs
Placing hands into the water for husbandry,
feeding, manipulating, etc.
Requirements
(Hand washing should be performed upon
leaving all animal facilities)
Exam gloves suggested; hand sanitizing
necessary if gloves are not worn
Exam gloves suggested; hand sanitizing
necessary if gloves are not worn
Exam gloves suggested; hand sanitizing
necessary if gloves are not worn
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Animal Handler Health and Safety Program
Table 9 - Prevalent Zoonotic Diseases of Bats
Zoonosis
Agent
Rabies virus
(Lyssa virus)
Rabies
Route of Transmission
Bites
Scratches
Aerosol (rare)
Table 10 – Protective Clothing Requirements for Personnel in Bat Facilities
Activity
Requirements
(Hand washing should be performed upon
leaving all animal facilities)
Street clothes may be worn
Enter animal holding room for brief visual
inspection
Contact with outside of primary enclosures
Street clothes covering or uniform; exam
gloves
Street clothes covering or uniform; shoe
covers; exam gloves; head cover and mucous
membrane protection
Street clothes covering or uniform; exam
gloves; bite protective gloves as needed.
Cleaning flight cages
Direct contact with animals
Table 11 - Prevalent Zoonotic Diseases of Birds
Zoonosis
Agent
Species
Psitticosis
Chlamydia psittaci
Salmonellosis
Salmonella sp.
All
Pasteurellosis
Listeriosis
Pasteurella multocida
Listeria
monocytogenes
All
All
Budgies
Routes of
Transmission
Aerosol
Direct contact
Aerosol, bites, direct
contact, fecal-oral
Aerosol
Direct contact
Table 12 – Protective Clothing Requirements for Personnel in Bird Facilities
Activity
Enter animal holding room for brief visual
inspection
Contact with outside of primary enclosures
Requirements
(Hand washing should be performed upon
leaving all animal facilities)
Street clothes may be worn
Street clothes or street clothes covering or
uniform; exam gloves
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Animal Handler Health and Safety Program
Cleaning flight cages
Direct contact with animals
Street clothes covering or uniform; shoe
covers; exam gloves; head cover; and
mucous membrane protection as appropriate
Street clothes or street clothes covering or
uniform; exam gloves; bite protection gloves
for birds of prey
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