All research involving animals must be registered and approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). Visit the IACUC website or contact the IACUC Office at 434-924-0405 for additional information.
Research involving biohazards in animals must first be approved by the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) followed by IACUC approval. Visit the IBC website or contact the Biosafety Office at 434-243-0726 for additional information. Personnel must be listed on both IBC and IACUC approved protocols and all relevant trainings must be completed before beginning reserach.
Specific policies from the IACUC outlining work with biohazards in animals are shown below.
Exposure Control Practices for Animal Handlers
Allergies to Laboratory Animals
Zoonotic Considerations for Frog Handlers
Zoonoses Associated with Swine
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Animal Handlers are required to complete the online module "Working Safely with Animals" as part of the approval process. In addition, an orientation to the assigned animal housing area, and training session in the vivarium, will also be provided for researchers working with BSL-2 materials or agents. This UVA - Animal Biosafety Level 2 Procedures Training will be provided by Center for Comparative Medicine staff prior to initiation of new experiments involving biohazards or for new personnel. Visit the CCM website or call 434-924-2052 for more information.
Certain situations may occur when a short-term visitor comes to observe or learn an animal procedure, or when repair personnel or contractors must work in your lab and could be exposed to animals or animal allergens. In such instances, the University has an obligation to inform the individual of potential risks to be encountered when working with or near animals. To fulfill this obligation and to protect the visitor, the individual must be provided the Risk Acknowledgment Form to read and sign. This form must be completed and returned to the IACUC office PRIOR to the individual engaging in any work with or near animals. If you have any questions regarding applicability or how to use this form, please contact the IACUC office at 434-924-0405 or acuc@virginia.edu.
Researchers conducting field work are enrolled in the Medical Surveillance program for Animal Handlers and specific recommendations can be found in the UVA/IACUC policy regarding Animal Field workers.
For more information, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) provide information about zoonotic agents or vector-borne diseases associated with field work:
