Zoonotic Disease Information

• Toxoplasmosis

  Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite that can infect many animals, including humans. It belongs to a larger group of parasites that are collectively called "coccidia". Toxoplasma occurs worldwide — an estimated 30% of all human beings have been infected by Toxoplasma gondii at some point in their lives.

  Most infections are silent and have no ill effect on the patient. Occasionally, Toxoplasma gondii infections can be devastating. If a woman who has not previously been infected with Toxoplasma gondii becomes infected while she is pregnant, there is no significant chance that the organism will produce severe neurological damage in the developing fetus. Toxoplasma gondii is also a special risk in the case of individuals that may have weakened immune systems such as individuals receiving cancer or transplant therapy or individuals that are positive for HIV.

  To learn more about understanding, preventing, and diagnosing Toxoplasmosis and how to protect yourself and your loved ones, visit our website Toxoplasmosis and Safety Precautions for Working with Toxoplasma gondii for more information.

• Hantavirus

  Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS)

Zoonotic Disease Information by Species

• Amphibians

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• Bats

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• Birds

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• Cats

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• Rabbits

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• Reptiles

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• Rodents (Rat, Mouse, Guinea Pig, Hamster)

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UCR Animal Researchers Occupational Health Guidance for Researchers

• Mandatory Lab Safety and Injury Reporting Requirements

  Under CAL/OSHA Title 8 §3203 (IIPP), all PIs and supervisors must ensure:

  • Safe work practices are communicated effectively
  • Employees are informed of how to report an animal bite, needlestick injury, or other occupational exposure
  • All researchers know their right to report a work-related injury or exposure and receive medical treatment at no cost

  Reporting an Injury or Animal Bite:

  Researchers must be informed that they are protected from retaliation when reporting injuries per §3203(a)(5) and Labor Code §5401.

  • If an animal bite or injury occurs, follow the official UCR protocol here:
    • Animal Bite Procedures -- UCR IACUC: SAFETY: UCR Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Lab Animal Care and Use

  At UCR, all injuries, regardless of severity, must be reported through the injury, incident, or safety concern form on the EH&S website Injury Reporting Form. 

  Key Steps Include:

  • Immediately wash the wound with soap and water.
  • Notify your Principal Investigator (PI) or supervisor. 
  • Seek medical attention from an approved provider listed on the UCR Workers' Compensation page.
  • Complete an Injury Report Form and submit it to Risk Management.
  • Contact Occupational Health for follow-up evaluation or vaccination (e.g., tetanus, rabies).

   

• Medical Treatment & Workers' Compensation
  • UCR Worker's Compensation Portal
  • Injury Reporting Form
  • Medical Treatment Facilities Guide
    • Undergraduate Student Employees  report your injury to your supervisor and complete the steps above (or go to Employee Injuries) 
    • Visiting Faculty, Registered Volunteers and Student Employee Responsibilities: It is important for everyone to notify and communicate with their supervisors prior to going to the doctor or physical therapy appointments and keep their supervisors informed of the status of their injury.
    • Undergraduate Students (Non Employee) All students should visit Student Health Services for assistance.

   

• Isoflurane and Hazardous Gas Safety

  Researchers working with anesthetic gases (e.g., Isoflurane) must follow established safety protocols:

  Isoflurane Safety Guidelines — EH&S

  Workplace Hazard Update - Isoflurane Gas

• Lab-Specific Safety Training

  All research personnel must receive site-specific training before starting lab work.

  UCR Lab Site-Specific Training Checklist

• Summary of PI Responsibilities

  Requirement	Regulation	PI Responsibility
  Communicate safe work practices	§3203(a)(4)	Include in lab training and documentation
  Ensure injury reporting is understood	§3203(a)(3), (a)(5)	Provide instructions during onboarding
  Inform about free occupational health care	§3203(a)(6), Labor Code §5401	Share medical treatment options clearly

• UCR Researcher Safety Compliance Overview

  Researcher Safety Compliance: Animal Exposure & Bloodborne Pathogens

  • Animal Occupational Health Program (AOHP)
  • Zoonotic risk awareness is addressed in the CITI training and will also be reinforced through forthcoming guidance from EH&S. 

  Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP) Exposure Control

  Training and Policies:

  • UCR BBP Exposure Control Plan
  • UCR Learning Center - BBP Training
  • Hepatitis B Vaccine Information
  • HBV Declination Form is completed during the BBP training.

  Employees with exposure risk must:

  • Complete BBP training before beginning work
  • Renew training annually
  • Be offered the Hepatits B vaccine at no cost
  • Complete a declination form if the immunization is refused

  Post-Exposure Protocol (PEP) 

  1. Washed exposed area with soap and water
  2. Notify supervisor
  3. Submit a Report of Injury
  4. Contact Occupational Health for evaluation