Most common microbiological procedures are carried out in such a way as to produce airborne bacteria. Care must be taken in handling animals and their cage materials. Those who will be doing this in their profession will receive special training. School teachers must be aware of proper procedures to protect themselves and their students. Every animal is a potential threat.
Many schools require approval of the principal before any animal can be kept in a classroom.
This should be supplemented with the requirement that the animal be held in isolation outside the classroom for at least a week before being brought into the classroom. Animals should be procured from a reputable supply house and wild animals should be avoided. Any animal too weak, unwary or slow to escape capture by a student should be suspected of being ill. Special areas should be provided for the holding of live animals. If special provisions are not available, animals should not be kept in the classroom or laboratory.