The University of Florida Animal Contact Medical Monitoring Program is designed to protect our employees, students, affiliates, and volunteers from exposure to potential animal-related illnesses. The UF IACUC verifies that all personnel listed on new and ongoing animal use protocols are enrolled in the program. For questions about filling out the form, please contact EH&S’s Occupational Health Consultant. For medical questions, please call the OCCMED Clinic at (352) 294-5700.

Animal Contact Medical Monitoring Program Enrollment

Occupational Health – Animal Contact
After enrolling in the Animal Contact Program, check the ACS Facility Access guide for information on additional requirements to gain access to animal facilities.

Animal Contact Program Requirement

Program requirements are based upon those outlined in the Public Health Services Policy on the Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals and Occupational Health and Safety in the Care and Use of Research Animals, as well as the recommendations of the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC). EH&S oversees the Animal Contact Program administratively.  The Occupational Medicine Clinic at the Student Health Care Center is the medical provider for the program and maintains the medical records.

The Animal Contact Program enrollment is required for individuals who:

• Handle or work with live animals,
• Handle unfixed animal tissues or body fluids, including animal waste,
• Are listed on an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) protocol, or
• Access Animal Care Services (ACS) managed facilities or vivaria

Individuals with Incidental/Infrequent Exposure or who Conduct Observational Studies in the Field

Participation in the Animal Contact Medical Monitoring Program is not required. However, you must:

• Read the Animal Contact Program Handbook, and
• Be advised that some persons are at increased risk from animal-associated disease:
  • Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
  • Immune compromised persons
  • Individuals with known animal allergies
• Contact the Occupational Medicine Clinic, 352-294-5700, for additional information

Visitors Entering ACS-Managed Facilities or Vivaria

Participation in the Animal Contact Program is not required if you:

• Visits are 5 times or less within a 30-day period
• The Request for Visitors to Observe Animal Research and ACS Director’s Instructions Regarding Associated Health Risks forms are signed and approved
• Contact ACS at 352-273-9230
• Visitors are escorted at all times and wear their issued visitor badge

Additional requirements apply for specialized areas:

• Animal Biosafety Level 3 (ABSL3) areas (BioPath Medical Monitoring Program)
• Biomedical research and housing areas for sheep (Respiratory protection required)

Specific Requirements

• Medical consultation – As determined by the Occupational Medicine provider. Examples include individuals with chronic disease, work-related injuries or illness, environmental or animal allergies.
• Tetanus Immunization within 10 years – All participants
• Rabies Immunization Series/Booster or Positive Titer within 2 years – All individuals handling wild/feral/free-roaming, or unvaccinated carnivores
• Respirator Clearance and Fit Test – All individuals required by UF’s Q-Fever Policy or as medically necessary to prevent allergic reactions
• Q-fever (Coxiella burnetii) serum titer – all who are required by UF’s Q-Fever Policy
• Tuberculosis Screening within 12 months – All individuals working with non-human primate, elephant, or rhinoceros contact.

For Occupational Medicine Clinic questions or to schedule an appointment, call 352-294-5700