Concerned female staff in animal houses should seek advice from the office of Laboratory Animal Service. These may apply to particular animal houses or to specific aspects or projects within the animal houses. Contact the Occupational Health and Rehabilitation staff of the Risk Management Office for advice on the matter. Respiratory symptoms in particular should be followed up as early as possible to avoid the development of occupational asthma. Where laboratory animal allergy or occupational asthma is diagnosed, the Head of Department should ensure that all practicable steps are taken to minimise further exposure to allergens.
Tetanus immunisation is essential for all individuals working with animals.
Those who come in contact with goats, cattle and sheep should be immunised against Q fever. All the above vaccinations are available through the University Health Service. This includes infectious diseases, chemicals, radiation hazards, drugs used, and particular hazards associated with each species. Research staff are required to inform animal workers of the nature of the research being conducted if this research is considered hazardous to staff. Where animals are known to be infected, workers must be informed about the nature of the diseases carried, the risks associated with those diseases, and the procedures necessary to minimise the risk of infection.