Animal Worker Safety

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Animal Biosafety Levels (ABSLs) are containment designations used to define the safety practices, equipment, and facility requirements necessary when working with animals that may be exposed to infectious agents. These levels, ranging from ABSL-1 to ABSL-4, are adapted from general biosafety levels and tailored to the unique risks associated with animal research. ABSLs help to ensure the protection of personnel, animals, and the environment by aligning containment strategies with the hazard level of the agents being studied.

BMBL: Animal Facilities Four primary Biosafety Levels are also described for activities involving hazardous biological agent and toxin work conducted with animals. These four combinations of facility design and construction, safety equipment, and practices and procedures are designated Animal Biosafety Levels (ABSL) 1, 2, 3, and 4, and provide increasing levels of protection to personnel, the surrounding community, and the environment. One additional Biosafety Level, designated Animal Biosafety Level 3-Agriculture (ABSL-3Ag) addresses activities involving the use of hazardous biological agents and toxins designated as High-Consequence Foreign Animal Diseases and Pests by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) in large or loose-housed animals. ABSL-3Ag laboratories are designed so that the laboratory building itself serves as a primary barrier to prevent the unintentional release of these high consequence agents into the environment. More information on the design and operation of ABSL-3Ag facilities and USDA/APHIS High-Consequence Foreign Animal Diseases and Pests is provided in Appendix D of BMBL. Appendix D also provides guidance for containment of loose-housed or open penned animals at other containment levels, designated ABSL-2Ag and ABSL-4Ag.

View the complete BMBL 6th edition document on the CDC website

Waste anesthetic gasses (WAGs) are small amounts of volatile anesthetics that escape into the air during the administration of anesthesia to animals in research settings. These gases—such as isoflurane, sevoflurane, and halothane—can pose health risks to personnel through chronic exposure, including headaches, fatigue, nausea, and potential reproductive effects. In animal research environments, WAGs may be released during induction, maintenance, or recovery phases, especially when scavaging systems are inadequate or improperly maintained. To mitigate exposure, it is essential to use well-maintained anesthetic delivery systems with active or passive scavenging, ensure proper ventilation in procedure rooms, and conduct routine leak testing. Personnel should also receive training on safe handling practices and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when working near anesthetic equipment. Monitoring and minimizing WAGs is a critical component of occupational safety in laboratory animal care.

• Download the Isoflurane SOP document.

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Zoonoses are infectious diseases that can be transmitted between animals and humans, often through direct contact, bites, scratches, inhalation of aerosols, or exposure to contaminated surfaces and materials. In research and laboratory settings, zoonotic risks are especially important when working with live animals, animal tissues, or biological agents. Awareness and proper biosafety practices are essential to prevent transmission and protect both personnel and animal welfare. Common zoonotic diseases include rabies, salmonellosis, and certain strains of influenza, among others.

Download the Arthropod Containment Document