Working with biolevel 3 agents that interface across human, livestock and wildlife boundaries

Authors: Olsen, Steven; Palmer, Mitchell

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/8/2012
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Brucellosis and tuberculosis are examples of zoonotic pathogens of economic importance that are endemic in domestic livestock and wildlife hosts in the U.S. Billions of dollars have been invested in regulatory programs over numerous decades in an effort to protect public health. In this paper, we discuss our experiences and approaches for conducting research studies with these zoonotic pathogens in natural hosts under BL3 conditions. Flight distance, herd orientation, social needs, aggressiveness and predictability are all factors we considered on a species by species basis for designing our containment facilities and for work practices with large ruminants. Although there are safety risks to be managed, species differences dictate that studies on vaccines and disease pathogenesis be conducted in the relevant host species. Data gathered in these types of studies are vital for state and national regulatory personnel in their efforts to design strategies to control or eradicate brucellosis and tuberculosis in their natural hosts, whether it is domestic livestock or wildlife. The overall benefit of these studies is to protect public health and the economic investment made in control or eradication regulatory programs.