Animal Biosafety

Animal Biosafety and Zoonotic Disease Risk

In-vivo research requires investigators and laboratory personnel to take additional safety precautions to minimize the incidence of disease and allergy. Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) works in collaboration with the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), the Center for Animal Resources and Education (CARE), and the Animal Users' Health and Safety Program (AUHSP) to ensure a safe environment for those who work with animals.

Review of proposed animal use includes an assessment of potential hazards specific to the research protocol. The review may also identify training requirements, preventative measures, or special health precautions such as medical monitoring. Based on the assigned animal biosafety level and IACUC review, investigators may select from pre-written Animal Biosafety Procedures (ABPs) or may need to develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to implement the required controls.

Understanding Zoonoses

Zoonotic diseases—also known as zoonoses—are infections that can be transmitted between animals and humans. These risks are especially relevant in research, veterinary, field, and agricultural settings where personnel work directly or indirectly with animals or animal-derived materials.

At Cornell, preventing zoonotic disease transmission is a shared responsibility. This includes investigators, animal care staff, veterinary personnel, and the broader research community. Through proper risk assessment, training, and controls, zoonotic disease risks can be minimized while supporting a productive research environment.

Why Zoonoses Matter in Research

Zoonotic pathogens can be viral, bacterial, fungal, or parasitic. They may be present in apparently healthy animals or in research models designed to study disease. Potential exposures include:

Direct contact with infected animals, tissues, or fluids
Aerosols generated during procedures (e.g., necropsy, centrifugation)
Fomites such as contaminated equipment or surfaces
Vector-borne transmission (e.g., ticks, mosquitoes)

These risks are governed by institutional programs, including the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), Occupational Medicine, and the Institutional Animal Care and Use Program (IACUC).

Species-Specific Zoonotic Risk Guidance

Use the links below to access species-specific guidance on zoonotic disease risks, protective measures, and occupational health recommendations:

Each page includes:

Animal-specific zoonotic agents
Risk factors by research activity
Recommended personal protective equipment (PPE)
Occupational health considerations

Your Responsibilities

All personnel involved in animal work are expected to:

Complete all required biosafety and animal care training
Follow laboratory-specific ABPs or SOPs
Participate in medical surveillance through AUHSP when applicable
Use proper containment practices and PPE appropriate for the animal and risk level
Report exposures, injuries, or unusual symptoms to your PI and EHS immediately