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Laboratory Animal Facilities

Like laboratories, animal facilities, may be designated according to a risk assessment and the risk group of the microorganisms under investigation, as Animal facility Biosafety Level 1, 2, 3, or 4.

With respect to agents to be used in the animal laboratory, factors for consideration include:

1. The normal route of transmission
2. The volumes and concentrations to be used
3. The route of inoculation
4. Whether and by what route these agents may be excreted

With respect to animals to be used in the animal laboratory, factors for consideration include:

1. The nature of the animals, i.e. their aggressiveness and tendency to bite and scratch
2. Their natural ecto- and endoparasites
3. The zoonotic diseases to which they are susceptible
4. The possible dissemination of allergens

The requirements for design features, equipment and precautions increase according to the animal biosafety level. These are described below and summarized in Appendix G.

ABSL1: Standard Microbiological Practices

Biosafety Manual Table of Contents