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Animal Handler

Program Overview:

The UCR Animal Occupational Health Program (AOHP) is established to safeguard the health and safety of individuals engaged in animal care and handling activities. Its primary objective is to identify, assess, manage, and mitigate potential health risks associated with working with laboratory animals. Through comprehensive evaluation, the AOHP delivers personalized recommendations aimed at minimizing the risk of illness linked with laboratory animal research.

  • Enrollment Process:

    Enrollment Process:

    Participation in the UCR AOHP is mandatory for all individuals with direct or incidental contact with laboratory animals. This involves completing an online questionnaire, which serves as a crucial tool for understanding and addressing potential health hazards. While participation is compulsory, individuals have the option to formally opt out of the program via the provided option on the questionnaire.

    New Occupational Health Surveillance System

  • Enrollment Criteria

    Enrollment Criteria:

    Enrollment in the UCR Animal Occupational Health Program is mandatory for:

    • Individuals listed on Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) protocols as research personnel.
    • Personnel engaged in animal-related research, testing, or educational activities.
    • Those with direct or incidental exposure to laboratory animals, including casual exposure.
    • Individuals entering Vivarium facilities for any purpose.
  • Enrollment Details for Short-Time Visitors

    Enrollment Details for Short-Time Visitors:

    Enrollment involves completing the AOHP questionnaire. Disclosure of personal health information is optional, and individuals may choose not to provide it if they wish.

    UCR Home Institution Occupational Health Clearance for Visiting Researchers Engaged in Animal Work at UCR

  • Health Risks Awareness

    Health Risks Awareness:

    Working with laboratory animals exposes personnel to various health risks, including but not limited to: 

    • Zoonotic diseases are infectious agents transmissible between humans and animals
    • .Allergies, particularly to rodents or other animals, are commonly used in laboratory settings. 
    • Injuries such as bites, scratches, and other physical harm.Handling of hazardous materials associated with animal manipulation.
  • Ongoing Compliance

    Ongoing Compliance:

    Maintaining AOHP compliance is essential for a safe work environment. Participants must submit a new questionnaire under the following conditions:

    • Prior to inclusion on an IACUC protocol.Before initial contact with laboratory animals.
    • If there are changes in health status (e.g., worsening allergies, pregnancy).
    • When exposure circumstances change (e.g., new animal models or hazards).
    • Enrollment renewal is typically every three years, or sooner based on health status.
    • For multiple IACUC protocols, renewal will be associated with a single Animal Use Protocol (AUP) if all hazards are listed.
  • Program Oversight

    Program Oversight:

    The UCR EH&S Occupational Health oversees the AOHP, managing the online Occupational Health Surveillance and Screening (OHSS) tool. They maintain agreements with local certified occupational health providers to offer a full range of medical surveillance services, including allergy assessments and respiratory clearances. Principal Investigators (PIs) are no longer responsible for program costs.
    By following AOHP guidelines, UCR ensures a safe, healthy environment for all personnel involved in animal research.

  • Immunization Requirement

    Immunization Requirement: 

    Recommendation for Tetanus

    For information about the tetanus vaccine or questions, reach out to ehsocchealth@ucr.edu.

    Tetanus Vaccine Information 

    Recommendation for Rabies Vaccine 

    Rabies Vaccine Information

    Digital Vaccine Record

    Your DVR is an electronic immunization record from the California Immunization Registry (CAIR), California’s official immunization record.

    Request Record 

    For DVR requests or questions, contact ehsocchealth@ucr.edu.

  • Reportable Diseases

    Reportable Diseases 

    For any questions or assistance, feel free to contact us at ehsocchealth@ucr.edu.

     Reportable Diseases