Ingestion, parenteral inoculation, and droplet or aerosol exposure of mucous membranes or broken skin with infectious fluids or tissues, are the primary hazards to laboratory and animal care personnel. Some poxviruses are stable at ambient temperature when dried and may be transmitted by fomites. Biosafety Level 2 practices and facilities are recommended for all activities involving the use or manipulation of poxviruses, other than variola, that pose an infection hazard to humans. All persons working in or entering laboratory or animal care areas where activities with vaccinia, monkey pox, or cow poxs viruses are being conducted should have documented evidence of satisfactory vaccination within the preceding ten years. Activities with vaccinia, cow pox, or monkey pox viruses, in quantities or concentrations greater than those present in diagnostic cultures, may also be conducted at Biosafety Level 2 by immunized personnel, provided that all manipulations of viable materials are conducted in Class I or 11 biological safety cabinets.
Immunosuppressed individuals are at greater risk of severe disease if infected with a poxvirus.
Contact the Department of Commerce for a permit to export these agents. Laboratory registration with CDC is required before sending or receiving these select agents.