Example of organism hazards for Appendix A

Taken from CDC-NIH publication Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (4th Edition, 1999; HHS Pub. no. (CDC 93-8395)

Agent Summary Statements: Viral Agents

Agent:

Poxyviruses

Sporadic cases of laboratory-associated infections with pox viruses (smallpox, vaccinia, yaba, tanapox) have been reported. Epidemiological evidence suggests that transmission to humans of monkeypox virus from nonhuman primates or rodents to humans may have occurred in nature, but not in the laboratory setting. Naturally or experimentally infected laboratory animals are a potential source of infection to exposed unvaccinated laboratory personnel. Genetically engineered recombinant vaccinia viruses pose an additional potential risk to laboratory personnel, through direct contact or contact with clinical materials from infected volunteers or animals.

Laboratory Hazards:

The agents may be present in lesion fluids or crusts, respiratory secretions, or tissues of infected hosts. Ingestion, parenteral inoculation, and droplet or aerosol exposure of mucous membranes or broken skin with infectious fluids or tissues, are the primary hazards to laboratory and animal care personnel. Some poxviruses are stable at ambient temperature when dried and may be transmitted by fomites.

Recommended Precautions:

The possession and use of; variola viruses is restricted to the World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Smallpox and Other Poxvirus Infections, located at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia. Biosafety Level 2 practices and facilities are recommended for all activities involving the use or manipulation of poxviruses, other than variola, that pose an infection hazard to humans. All persons working in or entering laboratory or animal care areas where activities with vaccinia, monkey pox, or cow poxs viruses are being conducted should have documented evidence of satisfactory vaccination within the preceding ten years. Activities with vaccinia, cow pox, or monkey pox viruses, in quantities or concentrations greater than those present in diagnostic cultures, may also be conducted at Biosafety Level 2 by immunized personnel, provided that all manipulations of viable materials are conducted in Class I or 11 biological safety cabinets. Immunosuppressed individuals are at greater risk of severe disease if infected with a poxvirus.

Transfer of Agent:

For a permit to import these agents, contact CDC. Contact the Department of Commerce for a permit to export these agents. Laboratory registration with CDC is required before sending or receiving these select agents.