Biosafety Consideration in Laboratory Animal Facilities and Working on Infectious Agents

Animal experimentation is an integral part of the research and development process especially of those in which vaccines and therapeutics against infectious agents are attempted. The use of infectious agents on live animals exponentially increases the hazards associated with such procedures. The zoonotic potential of several infectious agents also increases the risk to users and the environment. It is therefore imperative to put in place a combination of biological safety measures to minimize such risk. These safety measures are classified as per global standards into biological safety levels which are to be scrupulously followed to prevent the unintentional exposure or release of infectious agents. The chapter aims to provide an overview of the principles of biosafety, hazard characteristics, and considerations such as bio-risk assessment and risk mitigation requirements in laboratory animal facilities. The chapter is intended to be a primer for personnel who work in high containment animal houses. References to global standards and procedural guides are indicated in places for a detailed consultation.