Field Study Guidelines
Research projects involving animals that are known vectors or reservoirs of zoonoses must be reviewed and authorized by the IACUC and approved by the IBC. Note that if you receive tissues from animals based on the field studies of other investigators, then you may not be required to submit IBC registration. However, tissues used in such studies should be properly disposed of per the university's Regulated Medical Waste Guidelines. Below is a list of organisms where IBC registration may be required for field studies. The rule of thumb is that if there is any doubt, register the research.
Mammals
Mammals can be excellent vectors for zoonotic agents; therefore most field studies on mammals will require IBC registration. Wild rodents are known to harbor a number of pathogens that can infect humans including Hanta virus, plague, Lyme disease, several rickettsiae and several viruses. Field studies on rodents must document precautions against zoonotic diseases. Most of these precautions entail personal protective equipment such as the use of gloves, smocks and minimal generation of aerosols. Field studies on large mammals should document precautions against rabies, tularemia, or other pathogens specific to the animals being studied. Laboratory or field work on primates requires IBC registration.
Birds
Birds can host a number of zoonotic agents with varying risks of infection. These include Chlamydia psittaci, several encephalitis viruses, West Nile virus, bird influenza and some enteric bacteria. Field studies on birds should document precautions against zoonotic disease. Most of these precautions will minimally entail personal protective equipment such as gloves, smocks and minimal generation of aerosols
Amphibians
Amphibians harbor few zoonotic pathogens. However, turtles commonly carry Salmonella and there are documented cases of Salmonella in humans who have handled turtles without taking proper precautions. Such precautions include washing hands with anti-bacterial soap after handling amphibians or wearing gloves. The handling of poisonous amphibians or reptiles falls under OSHA regulations.
Fishes
Fishes have few pathogens that can infect humans. However, fish can carry several bacteria that are known to cause secondary infections in humans: Aeromonas, Pseudomonas, Klebsiella, and Mycobacteria. In particular, several species of Mycobacteria are known to infect humans (fish handler’s disease); therefore, IBC registration is warranted when the research is focusing on fish diseases, particularly those causing lesions. If research is focused on gonad maturation, gut contents, morphometric data, then registration is not typically required. Use of personal protective equipment, such as disposable gloves, smocks, minimization of aerosols, etc., will help prevent contamination of skin surfaces. Thorough hand washing can reduce the probability of infection. Other zoonotic agents are transmitted by ingesting raw or undercooked fish, the eating of which are not generally included in scientific protocols. The handling of venomous or dangerous fishes falls under OSHA regulations.Terrestrial invertebrates
Terrestrial invertebrates vary in their potential as risk agents. Biting flies, ticks and mites are known to carry zoonotic agents and some arachnids are venomous. Studies working specifically with these arthropods, particularly work based on vector-borne pathogens or venomous spiders, must be registered with IBC. Marine invertebrates pose little risk of infection. Vibrio infections can arise from the mishandling mollusks and crustaceans, but proper care and handling of these animals minimize these risks. Therefore IBC registration is not required for handling invertebrates where there is little known risk of zoonoses.
Other Organisms
Other agents of concern include harmful algae, bacteria, cultures of other micro-organisms, and raw products derived from harmful organisms (e.g., venom, toxins, etc.). Registration is required where there is risk of exposure to aerosols generated in working with these organisms. Note that aerosols can be generated by centrifugation and aeration. Registration may be required for large-scale culture of toxic agents.
