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Abstract

Due to the size and importance of agriculture to many countries, it is vital to safely contain highly virulent animal pathogens while conducting research or diagnostics involving those pathogens. Most agricultural pathogens can be studied safely in the laboratory or vivarium at Biosafety Level (BSL) -2 or -3, or Animal Biosafety Level (ABSL) -2 or -3. However, when animals are infected with certain highly virulent agricultural pathogens and there is no alternative other than loose-housing in a room, special requirements for containment are needed. This standard has become known as Biosafety Level 3 Agriculture (BSL-3-Ag) in North America and constitutes a special set of facility, operational and personnel requirements. In order to determine which biosafety level is appropriate for the containment of the animal pathogen being studied, an onsite risk assessment must be conducted, which takes into account many different factors. In addition, the final approval to work with a particular agricultural pathogen is often provided by the local and/or national government and may require further assessments.

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Biosafety Levels for Animal Agriculture Pathogens

Abstract

References