Occupational Health

Occupational Health focuses on protecting the health and well-being of individuals working in environments where they may be exposed to potential hazards, such as those involving animals, chemicals, or physical stressors. In a laboratory setting, Occupational Health programs ensure that personnel receive proper health screenings, safety training, and monitoring to prevent work-related injuries and illnesses. These programs also provide support for individuals with specific health concerns related to their work, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and promoting a healthy, safe workplace.

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Guidelines on the use of appropriate PPE such as gloves, lab coats, face shields, masks, and respiratory protection to reduce exposure to biological agents, allergens, and other hazardous substances.
• Training and Education: Comprehensive training on safe animal handling techniques, proper use of equipment, and handling of potentially infectious materials. Personnel should also be trained on the risks of zoonoses, the signs of exposure, and emergency protocols. More information regarding this training can be found here.
• Animal Allergies and Sensitization: Guidelines for identifying and managing allergic reactions or sensitivities to animal dander or other allergens in the research environment. Personnel with known allergies should be offered options such as reduced exposure or alternative tasks.
• Handling of Potentially Hazardous Materials: Procedures for working with genetically modified organisms (GMOs), infectious agents, or hazardous chemicals often used in animal research. Safety protocols must include proper disposal, decontamination procedures, and spill response.
• Exposure Monitoring: Ongoing monitoring of potential risks, including air quality (for allergens or gases), noise levels, and exposure to chemicals or biological agents. This also includes monitoring for adverse health effects in staff and providing a mechanism for reporting health concerns or incidents.
• Post-Exposure Follow-Up: Protocols for reporting and managing exposure incidents (such as bites, scratches, or exposure to biological hazards), including immediate medical attention, evaluation, and follow-up care.
• Mental Health and Stress Management: Acknowledging the emotional and psychological impact of working in animal research settings, with guidelines supporting mental health resources and counseling for employees facing stress, trauma, or ethical concerns.

Enrollment is mandatory prior to entry into the BRC, with annual follow-up required thereafter.

Zoonoses Associated with Laboratory-reared Rodents

Zoonotic Agents of Concern

Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus (LCMV)

Testing of purpose-bred mice and murine tumors and cell lines has significantly decreased the potential for transmission of LCMV in the laboratory setting. However, to reduce the potential for transmission, vigilance in screening all murine tissues is required. Tumors may acquire LCMV as an adventitious virus without obvious effects on the tumor. The virus may survive freezing and storage in liquid nitrogen for long periods. Humans become infected by inhaling infectious aerosolized particles of rodent urine, feces, or saliva; by ingesting food contaminated with virus; by contamination of mucous membranes with infected body fluids; or by directly exposing cuts or other open wounds to virus-infected blood. Symptoms are flu-like and include fever, headache, muscle pain and malaise and may progress to more serious illness including meningoencephalitis, lymphadenopathy and neurologic impacts.

Rat-Bite Fever

The risk of rat-bite fever from Streptobacillus moniliformis or Spirillum minor inoculation into the bite wound is minimal due to the eradication of the causative agent from commercial rat colonies. The organisms are found in the respiratory tract and mouths of rats and are typically transmitted via bite wounds. Symptoms develop within 3-10 days, are flu-like and include fever, chills, muscle pain and headache. A rash may develop after fever onset. Without treatment, rat-bite fever can be serious or potentially fatal. Severe illnesses can include infections involving the heart, brain, lungs and abscesses in internal organs.

Campylobacter

Transmission of campylobacter species from animals to humans is through the fecal-oral route. Symptoms develop within two to five days after exposure and include diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fever, nausea.

Allergen Statement for Working with Rodents in a Research Setting

Working with rodents in a research setting may expose personnel to allergens such as dander, urine, and saliva, which can lead to allergic reactions or respiratory issues. Symptoms may include sneezing, coughing, skin rashes, and more severe reactions in sensitized individuals. To minimize exposure, personnel are required to use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, lab coats, and masks, and to follow proper hygiene and cleaning protocols. Those with known allergies to rodents should notify their supervisor, and accommodations or alternative duties may be considered. Regular monitoring and medical support are available to ensure the health and safety of all staff involved in animal research.