Biosafety Practices When Working with Bats: A Guide to Field Research Considerations


Por: Aguilar-Setién A., Aréchiga-Ceballos N., Balsamo G.A., Behrman A.J., Frank H.K., Fujimoto G.R., Gilman Duane E., Hudson T.W., Jones S.M., Ochoa Carrera L.A., Powell G.L., Smith C.A., Triantis Van Sickle J., Vleck S.E.

Publicada: 1 ene 2022
Resumen:
Introduction: Field work with bats is an important contribution to many areas of research in environmental biology and ecology, as well as microbiology. Work with bats poses hazards such as bites and scratches, and the potential for exposure to infectious pathogens such as rabies virus. It also exposes researchers to many other potential hazards inherent to field work, such as environmental conditions, delayed emergency responses, or challenging work conditions. Methods: This article discusses the considerations for a thorough risk assessment process around field work with bats, pre-and post-occupational health considerations, and delves into specific considerations for areas related to biosafety concerns-training, personal protective equipment, safety consideration in field methods, decontamination, and waste. It also touches on related legal and ethical issues that sit outside the realm of biosafety, but which must be addressed during the planning process. Discussion: Although the focal point of this article is bat field work located in northern and central America, the principles and practices discussed here are applicable to bat work elsewhere, as well as to field work with other animal species, and should promote careful considerations of how to safely conduct field work to protect both researchers and animals. © Alvaro Aguilar-Setién et al. 2022; Published by Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. 2022.

Filiaciones:
Aguilar-Setién A.:
 Coordinación de Investigación Médica, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City, Mexico

Aréchiga-Ceballos N.:
 Laboratorio de Rabia, Instituto de Diagnóstico y Referencia Epidemiológicos, Secretaría de Salud, Mexico City, Mexico

Balsamo G.A.:
 Louisiana Department of Health, Office of Public Health, Baton Rouge, LA, United States

Behrman A.J.:
 Department of Emergency Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Frank H.K.:
 Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States

Fujimoto G.R.:
 Occupational and Internal Medicine Consultant, Los Altos, CA, United States

Gilman Duane E.:
 Biosafety Consultant, Boston, MA, United States

Hudson T.W.:
 Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of California, IRVINE, CA, United States

Jones S.M.:
 Department of Environmental Health and Safety, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, United States

Ochoa Carrera L.A.:
 Office of Environmental Health and Safety, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States

Powell G.L.:
 Department of Environmental Health and Safety, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States

Smith C.A.:
 U.S. Geological Survey National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, WI, United States

Triantis Van Sickle J.:
 Biosafety Office, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States

Vleck S.E.:
 Department of Environmental Health and Safety, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
ISSN: 24701246
Editorial
SAGE Publications Inc., Estados Unidos America
Tipo de documento: Article
Volumen: 27 Número: 3
Páginas: 169-190
imagen All Open Access; Green Open Access; Hybrid Gold Open Access