Animal Care Occupational Health and Safety Program

Working with animals exposes animal handlers and researchers to some unique occupational hazards. Some animals, such as sheep and monkeys, can carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans. Researchers working with mice or other rodents have up to a 20% chance of developing allergies to these animals; and 20% of those who are allergic can develop occupational asthma.

The Department of Animal Care requires all workers who handle animals to undergo an annual risk-based occupational health assessment. The components of the program are listed below.

For all faculty/staff who work with animals: An annual allergy assessment and education about allergies to animals is required. The questionnaire also asks about the species of animal that the worker handles. The questionnaire may be printed from this Web site, filled out and faxed to OHC at 936-0966. Those reporting frequent allergy symptoms will be contacted by OHC to schedule a clinic visit where we will evaluate the need for a respirator, and can help the individual obtain treatment if needed. Those reporting exposure to animals that carry diseases will also be contacted to schedule an appointment for a physical (see special physicals, below.)

Special physicals: People who work with animals or animal tissue that can carry zoonotic diseases are required to be screened in person by Occupational Health. At Vanderbilt these animals are primarily macaque monkeys (simian herpes B virus,) sheep (Q-fever) and various species at risk for rabies (dog, opossum, raccoon.) At these annual physicals we evaluate the individual health risks that can make someone more susceptible to these diseases, we counsel the individual about ways to further reduce their risk, and we review the importance of reporting potential exposures.

For more information on the Animal Care Occupational Health and Safety Program, contact us at 936-0955.

Animal Exposure Mandatory Health Questionnaire
(requires Adobe Reader)

Animal Exposure Mandatory Education: Allergies to Animals

Herpes B Virus: Don't Monkey Around With It (primates)

Rabies: It's Not Just In The Wild (dogs, skunks, bats, etc)

Q-Fever: It's B-A-A-A-D News (sheep)