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
    Amphibians

    Potential Zoonotic Diseases for Amphibians

    The overall incidence of transmission of disease-producing agents from amphibians to humans is low. There are, however, a few agents that are found in amphibians and aquarium water that have the potential to be transmitted. In general, humans acquire these diseases through ingestion of infected tissues or aquarium water, or by contamination of lacerated or abraded skin. Exotic amphibians can produce highly dangerous skin secretions, and should be labeled as such and handled with protective gloves. An important feature of many of these organisms 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 diseases and should consult your physician. The following is a list of potential amphibian zoonoses. 

    Salmonella: This bacterium inhabits the intestinal tract of many animals and humans. Salmonella occurs worldwide and is easily transmitted through ingestion, either direct or indirect. Common symptoms of the illness are acute gastroenteritis with sudden onset of abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea and fever. Antibiotic treatment is standard treatment for the illness. 

    Sparganosis: While unlikely in this area, amphibians can become intermediate hosts to the pseudophyllidean cestode of the genus Spirometra. Disease in man is primarily caused by ingestion of meat or contaminated water. Contact with the muscles of infected frogs is also considered a mode of transmission. Common symptoms include a nodular lesion (bump) that develops slowly and can be found on any part of the body. The main symptom is itching, sometimes accompanied by urticarial rash. Human sparganosis can be prevented by avoiding ingestion of contaminated water and meat, and avoiding direct contact with infected muscles. 

    Other Diseases:  Escherichia coli and Edwardsiella tarda are additional zoonotic organisms that have been documented in amphibians. Human infections are typically acquired through wound contamination or ingestion of contaminated water resulting in gastroenteritis type symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

    Allergic Reactions to Amphibians: Human sensitivity to amphibian proteins in the laboratory setting is rare. It remains possible, however, to become sensitized to amphibian proteins through inhalation or skin contact. You are strongly advised to contact the Occupational Health Director at 951-827-5528 to discuss this issue and arrange for follow-up with an occupational health physician.

    Seek Medical Attention Promptly: If you are injured on the job, promptly report the accident to your supervisor even if it seems relatively minor. Minor cuts and abrasions should be immediately cleansed with antibacterial soap and then protected from exposure to animals and their housing materials.  

    For more serious injuries seek medical services through Workers Compensation.

    For treatment locations:

    References: http://dels-old.nas.edu/ilar_n/ilarjournal/48_3/pdfs/4803Alworth.pdf

    Revised 08/2025. Information taken from UC Davis.

    SpeciesBiological Hazard/PathogenRoute of TransmissionClinical SymptomsPrevention/ProphylaxisMedical Surveillance RequiredRisks for Exposure at UCR
    AmphibiansAeromonas hydrophilaContamination through wounds or various traumasDiarrhea, slight fever, abdominal pains, blood and mucus in feces, weight loss, dehydration, cellulitisClean and disinfect wounds, personal hygiene, PPE No 
    AmphibiansCampylobacteriosisFecal, contaminated food and waterDiarrhea, vomiting, fever, abdominal pain, visible or occult blood, headache, muscle and joint painPersonal hygiene and PPENo 
    AmphibiansEscherichia coliFecal, contaminated food and waterDiarrhea, abdominal pains, fever, vomiting, hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, azotemia, thrombosis in terminal arterioles and capillariesPersonal hygiene and PPENo 
    AmphibiansKlebsiella sppsDirect contact, handling Pneumonia, UTI, nosocomial infection, and septicemiaPersonal hygiene and PPENo 
    AmphibiansMycobacterium ulceransHandling infected animalsInfections start as erythematous nodules on the extremities and gradually become large, indolent ulcers with necrotic basePersonal hygiene and PPENo 
    AmphibiansPentastosomiasisFecal/oral, contaminated food and waterProstatitis, ocular infection, acute abdomen, lacrimation, nasal discharge, dyspnea, dysphagia, vomiting, headaches, photophobia, exophthalmiaPersonal hygiene and PPENo 
    AmphibiansSalmonellosisFecal/oral, contaminated food and waterDiarrhea, vomiting, low grade feverPersonal hygiene and PPENo 
    AmphibiansSparganosisContaminated food and waterPruritus, urticaria. Ocular sparganosis consist of painful edema of eyelids with lacrimation and pruritusPersonal hygiene and PPENo 
    AmphibiansBurkholderia pseudomalleiContaminated soil and surface water and contact with contaminated woundsLocalized skin infection, pulmonary infections and acute blood stream infectionsWearing boots in agricultural situations, Universal precautions in hospitals/care facilities and PPE personal hygieneNo 
  • Bats

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  • Birds
    Bird sitting on a tree branch

    Potential Zoonotic Diseases for Birds

    Birds can carry organisms that may be potentially infectious to humans. Bird colonies in the laboratory setting are normally closely managed to produce high quality, healthy animal models. The likelihood of a person contracting a disease from a bird is very low. However, there is always a risk of an outbreak occurring within a colony, either from a new bird being introduced into an established colony or from individuals inadvertently contaminating a colony by wearing shoes or clothing that have been in contact with asymptomatic disease-carrying birds. A disease, such as psittacosis, is infectious both to other birds and to people. Therefore, an outbreak within a colony could significantly increase the risk of human exposure. 

    Psittacosis (Ornithosis, Chlamydiosis): Psittacosis is a disease caused by the bacteria, Chlamydia psittaci. Psittacosis is common in wild birds of all types and can occur in laboratory bird colonies as well.  The reservoir/source of infection to people is infected birds, especially ones displaying symptoms (diarrhea, respiratory signs, conjunctivitis and nasal discharge.)  This disease is highly contagious to other birds as well as humans.  Transmission may be through direct contact or from aerosolization with exudative materials (e.g. pus), secretions or feces. Direct contact with the bird is not necessary.  In people, the disease occurs 7-14 days after exposure. An infected human may develop a respiratory illness of varying severity, from flu-like symptoms in mild cases to pneumonia in more significant infections. Serious cases can result in extensive interstitial pneumonia and rarely hepatitis, myocarditis, thrombophlebitis, and encephalitis. It is responsive to antibiotic therapy. Relapses occur in untreated infections. 

    Salmonellosis:  Salmonellosis is a disease caused by the bacteria species Salmonella. It is one of the most common zoonotic diseases in humans.  Birds and reptiles (especially iguanas) are the animals most frequently associated with Salmonella.  Most people typically contract the disease by consuming food or water contaminated with the bacteria. Symptoms include diarrhea (usually watery, and occasionally bloody), nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, and abdominal cramps. If the bacteria leaves the blood stream and enters the central nervous system, meningitis/encephalitis may develop. Salmonellosis is a very serious disease in humans, especially for young children and people with compromised immune systems. 

    Newcastle disease and Avian Tuberculosis:  Newcastle disease is a serious and fatal viral disease in avian species. Affected birds may demonstrate neurological signs that progress to death. Definitive diagnosis is through viral isolation of the organism. The disease is quite contagious among birds and has zoonotic potential that often may go unrecognized. Clinical signs in people most commonly involve a mild conjunctivitis, which is self-limiting. Mycobacterium avian (and possibly other species) is a causative agent of tuberculosis. Affected birds may carry the disease for years, and intermittently shed organisms.  Humans are more commonly infected with M. tuberculosis and occasionally M. bovis. It is believed that immunocompetent humans are resistant to the strains of tuberculosis found in birds, but immunocompromised people, such as those infected with HIV, those on chemotherapy, the elderly and children, are at increased risk. In adults, tuberculosis frequently affects the lungs, producing respiratory signs.  People who are infected with human tuberculosis should not own birds since they can serve as a source of infection for their pets. 

    Allergic Reaction to Birds: Various bird proteins have been identified as sources of antigens involved in both allergic reactions and hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is a lung condition with symptoms that mimic pneumonia. Symptoms develop after repeated exposure to a specific antigen.  Signs of an allergic reaction after exposure to birds are rhinitis and asthma symptoms (wheezing and dry cough). Signs and symptoms of both allergic reactions and hypersensitivity pneumonitis usually occur several hours after exposure. To reduce exposure, perform procedures in a laminar flow hood whenever possible.  If you have symptoms you are strongly advised to contact the Occupational Health Director at 951-827-5528 to discuss this issue and arrange for follow-up with an occupational health physician.

    How to Protect Yourself

    Wash your hands. The single most effective preventative measure that can be taken is thorough, regular hand washing. Wash hands and arms after handling birds, their cages and their water. Never smoke, drink, or eat in the animal rooms or before washing your hands. 

    Wear Personal Protective equipment. If you handle birds select the appropriate gloves for the job, and when in close contact with birds of unknown origin wear respiratory protection. For more information please contact the Occupational Health Director at 951-827-5528 or visit the website for more information. 

    Tell your physician you work with birds. Whenever you are ill, even if you're not certain that the illness is work-related, always mention to your physician that you work with birds. Many zoonotic diseases have flu-like symptoms and would not normally be suspected. Your physician needs this information to make an accurate diagnosis. Questions regarding personal human health should be answered by your physician.  

    Seek Medical Attention Promptly. If you are injured on the job, promptly report the accident to your supervisor even if it seems relatively minor. Minor cuts and abrasions should be immediately cleansed with antibacterial soap and then protected from exposure to birds. For more serious injuries seek medical services through Workers Compensation.

    For treatment locations:

    SpeciesBiological Hazard/PathogenRoute of TransmissionClinical SymptomsPrevention/ProphylaxisMedical Surveillance RequiredRisks for Exposure at UCR
    BirdsCampylobacteriosisFecal/Oral from contaminated food and waterDiarrhea, vomiting, fever, abdominal pain,  visible or occult blood, headache, muscle and joint painPersonal hygiene or PPENo 
    BirdsNewcastle disease virusContact with animal, inhalation of aerosolsCongestion, lacrimation, pain, swelling of subconjunctival tissues, slightly elevated temperatures, chills, pharyngitisPersonal hygiene, use of respiratorNo 
    BirdsPsittacosisAirborne or direct contactRespiratory symptomsScreening of bird flocks.  Very transmissible, use PPE, personal hygieneNo 
    BirdsSalmonellosisFecal/Oral, contaminated food and waterDiarrhea, vomiting, low grade feverPersonal hygieneNo 

    Revised 08/2025. Information taken from UC Davis.

  • Cats

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  • Fish
    Fish in aquarium

    Potential Zoonotic Diseases for Fish

     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 07/2025. 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