Biosecurity and Biocontainment

Policy

Biosecurity practices for animal facilities should

• protect the health and well-being of the resident herds, flocks, or colonies;
• protect the health and well-being of imported animals;
• protect the health and safety of the personnel who come in contact with the animals; and
• protect the integrity of the research and academic programs.

The institutional veterinarian has direct program authority and responsibility for the animal care and use program and is responsible for ensuring that adequate veterinary care, including programs for disease surveillance and prevention, are implemented in the Illinois animal care programs.

Background

Biosecurity and biocontainment practices are important to preventing disease outbreaks resulting from exposure to pathogens in imported or resident colonies, flocks, or herds. Unless specifically approved by the IACUC, imported animals must undergo a 48-hour period of acclimatization sufficient to permit physiological, immunological, and behavioral adaptation prior to the use of animals in research or teaching activities.

Responsibilities

Animal care facility managers and principal investigators, along with other appropriate program personnel, will implement biosecurity and biocontainment practices in consultation with animal care unit veterinarians and the attending veterinarians. Requirements for the maintenance of biosecurity and biocontainment will be communicated to the animal users and other personnel who will be exposed to the animals or be in animal facilities.

Exceptions

Exceptions to this policy must be approved by the attending veterinarian responsible for the well-being of the animals and should be reported to the IACUC.