A facility can also apply engineering controls locally to reduce aerosol spread. Staff should use biological safety cabinets when opening the cages, conducting sampling or necropsy activities, or manipulating infectious materials. Staff should use special devices such as sealable centrifuge cups, blenders, or homogenizers whenever there is a high potential for creating aerosols of infectious microorganisms. Workers must also rely on personal protective devices, such as respirators, to minimize their exposure to infectious aerosols when containment devices offer insufficient protection. Animal Quarantine and Stabilization Quarantine is the separation of newly received animals from those already in the facility until the health of the animal has been evaluated.
Effective quarantine minimizes the introduction of disease agents into established colonies.
The quarantine period should be of sufficient duration to allow expression of diseases present in the incubation stages. Work Practices and Procedures Handwashing is an important means of preventing the spread of infectious contaminant. Workers should wash their hands after removing gloves and before leaving the laboratory, procedure room, or animal room. A handwashing sink should be located near the door of the room. Liquid soap dispensers are preferable to soap bars to minimize cross contamination.