Occupational Health and Safety Program

OHSP Fact Sheets

Although the probability of contracting a disease from a research or teaching animal is minimal, there are a number of potential occupational risks associated with contact with animals in the workplace. Hazards associated with research animal contact can be minimized by proper training, use of appropriate personal protective equipment & clothing (PPE) and biocontainment measures, careful handling procedures, sanitation, and vaccination.

These OHSP Fact Sheets are designed to inform you of species-specific risks associated with working with animals at K-State. This training should not replace the medical advice of an occupational health care provider. If you consult with a doctor for health concerns, you should inform them that you work with animals as part of your medical history. You are required to read and sign off on the fact sheets applicable to your particular work environment.

It is important that you:

  • Read and understand the information contained in the fact sheets
  • Recognize there are occupational risks associated with contact with specific species of laboratory, domestic, or wild animals

Understand that if you are injured on the job, it is your responsibility to inform your supervisor as soon as possible.

Everyone must read these fact sheets:

Purpose-bred Animals (PDF)
Human Allergies (PDF)
Bites-Scratches-Kicks (PDF)
Sharps (PDF)
Immunosuppression (PDF)
Latex (PDF)
Personal Hygiene (PDF)


Species-Specific Fact Sheets:

Mice and Rats
Guinea Pigs
Hamsters
Gerbils
Rabbits
Dogs
Cats
Horses
Sheep and Goats
Cattle
Swine
Avians
Ferrets
Reptiles and Amphibians
Wildlife

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