Indigenous and Pathogenic Agents of Research Animals

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the zoonotic diseases caused by some indigenous agents of common laboratory animals which may pose an occupational hazard to animal handlers. The intent is to inform those working in animal facilities, including clinical and other research scientists and biological safety personnel, about zoonotic pathogens associated with animals used in laboratory research. Potential zoonotic hazards are associated with many laboratory animals, but the actual transmission of zoonotic disease has become uncommon due to the increased use of animals specifically bred for research over many generations. The majority of small laboratory animals (e.g., mouse, rat, and rabbit) used in research in the United States have been produced commercially in highly controlled environments under the oversight of veterinary care programs. The chapter addresses the intrinsic agents of potential significance in zoonotic diseases associated with eight animals: all of the animals from the primary category (dogs, macaques, mice, pigs, rats, rabbits) along with cats and sheep from the secondary category. It also provides some basic information on zoonotic diseases from common laboratory animals.