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Title: BIOCONTAINMENT FOR INFECTIOUS DISEASE STUDIES IN LARGE ANIMAL SPECIES

Author
item RUSK, J - FLAD & ASSOCIATES
item Brogden, Kim
item BUNN, T - USDA-APHIS-VS-NVSL
item Whipple, Diana

Submitted to: Research Workers in Animal Diseases Conference Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/9/2003
Publication Date: 11/9/2003
Citation: RUSK, J.S., BROGDEN, K.A., BUNN, T.O., WHIPPLE, D.L. BIOCONTAINMENT FOR INFECTIOUS DISEASE STUDIES IN LARGE ANIMAL SPECIES. RESEARCH WORKERS IN ANIMAL DISEASES CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS. 2003. P. 16.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Infectious disease studies in large animal species present unique challenges for biocontainment and biosafety. In order to ensure sound scientific results, personnel safety, high quality animal care and to prevent release of infectious materials into the environment, a wide variety of priority considerations must be accounted for in planning and use of facilities. Standards for animal care and use, appropriate size and materials of pens and handling equipment, floors that provide adequate footing but allow for cleaning, and types of other surface materials are all critical. The facility layout must facilitate personnel safety and circulation and adequate space for movement of materials (animal feeds, supplies and wastes). Biocontainment elements include a clear definition of the biocontainment barrier, contained dressing and shower rooms, sealed service penetrations, specialized doors, entry and exit avenues to prevent cross- contamination, specialized air handling systems for contamination control, HEPA filtration for supply and exhaust air, and waste management. Facilities must include effective and convenient methods for removal of infected materials and animal carcasses. Incineration and rendering are options with numerous advantages and disadvantages. As a result, high-level biocontainment facilities are costly to operate and have a large support space compared to the actual area available for housing animals. Aspects of Biosafety Level 3-Agriculture facility features for large animals will be presented.