Working with COMMON LABORATORY RODENTS

General Characteristics

Human health risks associated with working with common laboratory rodents (rats, mice, gerbils and hamsters) at the University of Missouri are principally limited to exposure to animal allergens. Risks associated with zoonotic diseases (diseases transmitted from animals to people) are minimal to non-existent. Rodents used in research at MU are obtained from sources that provide only healthy animals as determined by an extensive, health-monitoring program.

Associated injuries working with laboratory rodents are normally limited to bites. Although bites from rodents normally do not inflect severe damage to a person, they can become infected. If bitten, control any bleeding, clean the injury with plenty of soap and water and report the bite to you supervisor. Other injuries can be associated with repetitive motions especially when working with large numbers of rodents while manipulating them in the same repetitive manner. Additionally, some caging, cage racks and husbandry accessories can be heavy and dangerous to move. Review the ergonomics factors associated with moving this type of equipment and do not do more than you are physically able to do. Items should not be stored or kept on the top shelf of rodent racks. These items can cause personal injury if they fall from that height.

Should wild rodents need to be used, individual training on the risks associated with the type of rodent will presented to the individuals at risk. Personal injury while working in an animal area or around animals is another increased risk. To make you aware of these risks and what to do to reduce risk, please read Allergies and Working with Animals and Health Risks Associated with Care and Use of Animals in Research, Testing and Teaching.