Vendor Biosecurity

Biosecurity Protocol for Vendors and Users of Research Animals at the University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota uses over 148,000 animals, including over 1600 "farm animals" in the conduct of research activities each year. These animals are obtained from various sources and are housed in various areas on both the Minneapolis and St. Paul campus as well as several off site locations. Many animal care personnel, researchers and their staff come into contact with these animals everyday and it is important to be aware of the biosecurity issues surrounding contact with and handling of research animals.

Foot and Mouth Disease is a viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed domestic and wild animals including cattle, pigs, sheep and goats. This disease does not affect humans but is highly contagious in animals, and humans can be fomites of the disease - carrying it from an infected animal to an uninfected animal. Although the disease has not occurred in the United States since 1929, it is prudent to be aware of means of the epidemiology and clinical signs and of this disease before a crisis occurs. This may also be an opportunity to increase awareness of general biosecurity issues in the use of laboratory animals. The Office of Regulatory Affairs and Research Animal Resources (RAR) suggest these minimal recommendations for the research community at the University of Minnesota:

• Foreign visitors to the research community and/or research faculty and staff returning from Foot and Mouth Disease endemic countries should follow the "Precautions for University Travelers and Foreign Visitors Returning from Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Infected Countries."
  
• Vendors supplying animals to the University of Minnesota should be aware of the disease and have their own biosecurity measures in place. RAR should develop and distribute educational materials and fact sheets as needed.
  
• RAR should educate and raise awareness among animal care staff about the epidemiology, clinical signs and transmission of FMD. Staff should be directed to report any suspicious signs to a RAR veterinarian.
  
• Off site farms and animal housing areas should adopt the protocols listed in "Biosecurity Protocols for Farm Visitors" and be made aware of FMD.