Work with animals and biohazards presents unique hazards, such as generation of aerosols, bites and scratches, and shedding of agents, all of which is considered during the risk assessment for animal work involving biohazards or rDNA. The safety precautions necessary to work with infectious agents or rDNA in animals is classified as Animal Biosafety. There are four Animal Biosafety levels (ABSL) that are available to categorize the use of experimentally infected animals housed in research facilities, animals administered rDNA, or maintenance of laboratory animals that may naturally harbor zoonotic infectious agents. In general, the biosafety level recommended for working with infectious agents in vivo is the same as that for working with the agents in vitro. Animal biosafety level is determined by the APB based on risk assessment; if the work has an Animal Biosecurity component (see below), the Veterinary Service Center (VSC) may determine that the ABSL is equal to or greater than that designated by the APB.

Animal Biosecurity

Animal Biosecurity is a set of preventative measures designed to reduce the risk of transmission of infectious agents among animals or between animals and humans. It is a designation determined by the Veterinary Service Center and supported by Biosafety. This designation includes agents that may not be an infectious risk to humans but are animal pathogens, as well as zoonotic agents that have the potential to spread among both animals and humans. Evaluation includes work practices, PPE, safety equipment, risk assessments and a housing requirement designed to reduce the risk of transmission within an animal colony.