Environmental Health & Safety

School of Medicine Researcher

Animal Worker Occupational Health

Animal research involves a diverse range of hazards, some that pertain to animals, and others are a result of the work being performed. University personnel working in animal care and use environments must receive hazard awareness training, review all pertinent occupational health information, and follow safe and healthy practices. 

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)

  • Mycobacterium Marinum

    Mycobacterium marinum is found in soil, water, and biofilms, and causes skin and soft tissue infections. It enters through cuts or abrasions, often from fish tanks or aquatic environments. No person-to-person transmission has been reported.

    Laboratory Hazards & Controls
    • Routes: Aerosols, mucous membrane contact, ingestion, contaminated sharps
    • Disinfectants: 2% alkaline glutaraldehyde, 5% phenol, 1% sodium hypochlorite
    • PPE: Lab coats, gloves, eye protection
    • Best Practices:
      •  Use BSL-2 procedures
      • Conduct splash-generating tasks in a certified BSC
      • Wear gloves when handling fish/water
      • Wash hands regularly and avoid personal item use during procedures
    High-Risk Individuals
    •  Immunocompromised
    • Individuals with open wounds
    Immediate Action by Route of Exposure (UCR Protocol)

    Needlestick, Animal Bite, or Laceration:

    Immediately wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and running water. Do not apply disinfectants or alcohol to broken skin.

    Mucous Membranes (Eyes, Nose, Mouth):

    If exposure occurs via splash or spray:

    • Eyes – Flush with clean water at an eyewash station for 10–15 minutes.
    • Mouth – Rinse out thoroughly without swallowing. Repeat rinse if needed.
    • Nose – Blow nose gently and wash external area with water if appropriate.

    Inhalation:

    If potentially contaminated materials were aerosolized:

    • Rinse mouth twice with water and spit. Do not swallow.
    • Leave the area and report to your supervisor.
    After First Aid

    All suspected exposures related to research activities must be reported immediately to UCR's EH&S at 951-827-5528 and to the Campus Biosafety Officer via biosafety@ucr.edu.

    Employees and students should also contact Occupational Health at 951-827-8220 for medical consultation and follow-up.

    If exposure involves Mycobacterium marinum, treating medical providers should be informed. The typical incubation period is 14–21 days, and symptomatic individuals should be evaluated and tested accordingly.

    For after-hours exposure: nearest urgent care or ER 

    • Inform provider of possible M. marinum exposure (incubation 14–21 days)

    Medical Follow-Up & Testing

    • Symptomatic individuals may need a culture to confirm infection
    • Treatment is based on clinical evaluation and lab confirmation

    UCR Reporting Protocol

    • Complete Supervisor Incident Report via Work Related injury 
    • EH&S Incident Report 
    • Employees Seek Medical Treatment 
    • Students should also notify or visit Student Health Services at  951-827-3031

    Final Reminders

    • All personnel must be trained in relevant biosafety practices
    • PIs must ensure all team members understand zoonotic risks and infection signs
    References:

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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  • Fish
    Fish in aquarium

    Potential Zoonotic Diseases: Aside from food poisonings, the overall incidence of transmission of disease-producing agents from fish to humans is low. There are, however, a number of agents that are found in fish and aquarium water that have the potential to be transmitted to humans. In general, humans contract fish borne disease through ingestion of infected fish tissues or aquarium water or by contamination of lacerated or abraded skin. An important feature of many of the disease causing agents is their opportunistic nature. The development of disease in the human host often requires a preexisting state that compromises the immune system. If you have an immune-compromising medical condition or you are taking medications that impair your immune system (steroids, immunosuppressive drugs, or chemotherapy), you are at-risk for contracting a fish borne disease and should consult your physician. The following is a list of known and potential fish borne zoonoses. 

    Mycobacterium: Organisms in the genus Mycobacterium are non-motile, acid-fast rods. Two species, M. fortuitum and M. marinum, are recognized as pathogens of tropical fish. Humans are typically infected by contamination of lacerated or abraded skin with aquarium water or fish contact. A localized granulomatous nodule (hard bump) may form at the site of infection, most commonly on hands or fingers. The granulomas usually appear approximately 6-8 weeks after exposure to the organism. They initially appear as reddish bumps (papules) that slowly enlarge into purplish nodules. The infection can spread to nearby lymph nodes. More disseminated forms of the disease are likely in immunocompromised individuals. It is possible for these species of mycobacterium to cause some degree of positive reaction to the tuberculin skin test.

    Aeromonas spp.: Aeromonad organisms are facultative anaerobic, gram-negative rods. These organisms can produce septicemia (a severe generalized illness) in infected fish. The species most commonly isolated is A. hydrophilia. It is found world wide in tropical fresh water and is considered part of the normal intestinal microflora of healthy fish. Humans infected with Aeromonas may show a variety of clinical signs, but the two most common syndromes are gastroenteritis (nausea, vomiting and diarrhea) and localized wound infections. Again, infections are more common and serious in the immunocompromised individual.

    Other Bacteria and Protozoa: Below is a list of additional zoonotic organisms that have been documented in fish or aquarium water. Human infections are typically acquired through ingestion of contaminated water (resulting in gastroenteritis symptoms) or from wound contamination. 

    Gram-negative Organisms: Plesiomonas shigelloides, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Klebsiella spp., Edwardsiella tarda
    Gram-positive Organisms: Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Clostridium, Erysipelothrix, Nocardia
    Protozoa: Cryptosporidium

    Allergic Reactions to Fish: Human sensitivity to fish proteins in the laboratory setting is rare. It remains possible, however, to become sensitized to fish proteins through inhalation or skin contact. If you have symptoms you are strongly advised to contact the Occupational Health Director at ehsocchealth@ucr.edu  to discuss this issue and arrange for follow-up with an occupational health physician.

    SpeciesBiological Hazard/PathogenRoute of TransmissionClinical SymptomsPrevention/ProphylaxisMedical Surveillance RequiredRisk for Exposure at UCR
    FishAeoromonasFecal/oral contact with fish waterGastrointestinal disorder (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)Personal hygiene, PPENoYes
    FishErysipelothrix rhusiopathiaeContact with animal and animal products through wounds and skin abrasionsArthritis in the finger joints, burning sensation, pulsating pain, intense pruritusPersonal hygiene, PPE, proper treatment of woundsNoYes
    FishSalmonellosisFecal/Oral, contaminated food and waterDiarrhea, vomiting, low grade feverPersonal hygieneNoYes

    References: 

    Louis J. DeTolla, S. Srinivas, Brent R. Whitaker, Christopher Andrews,  Bruce Hecker, Andrew S. Kane  and Renate Reimschuessel.  Guidelines for the Care and Use of Fish in Research ILAR J (1995) 37(4): 159-173 doi:10.1093/ilar.37.4.1 

    Microbial Presence:

    Thune, R. L., L. A. Stanley, R. K. Cooper.  1993.  Pathogenesis of Gram-negative bacterial infections in warmwater fish.  Annual Review of Fish Diseases 3:37-68.

    Transgenic and Laboratory Fishes:

    Hallerman, E. M. and A. R. Kapuscinski.  1995.  Incorporating risk assessment and risk management into public policies on genetically modified finfish and shellfish.  Aquaculture 137:9-17.

    Ostrander, G.K.  2000.  The Laboratory Fish.  Academic Press, San Diego, CA.

    Warmbrodt, R.D. and V. Stone.  1993.  Transgenic fish research: a bibliography.  National Agriculture Library.  U.S. Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD.

    Winn, R.  2001.  Transgenic fish as models in environmental toxicology.  Institute for Laboratory Animal Research 43:322-329.

    Revised 07/2014. Information taken from UC Davis. 

     

  • 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