11. Field Biosafety: Protecting Researchers and Communities in Wildlife Disease Investigations
A distance learning opportunity
July 16 and 23, 2025
1:00 – 3:00pm (CDT)
Registration for the live webinar must be completed 1 business day prior to the start of the training.
Registrations received after will receive access to the recording only.
This webinar will provide comprehensive training on field biosafety, designed specifically for biosafety professionals, researchers, veterinarians, and field personnel involved in wildlife disease research. The course is structured to offer practical guidance on assessing biosafety risks in diverse field settings and effectively implementing the Field Biosafety Levels (FBSLs)—a structured framework for zoonotic disease protection. Participants will learn to critically evaluate risks, determine appropriate biosafety levels, and apply best practices in real-world scenarios.
Over the two sessions, participants will be introduced to key principles of field biosafety and detailed considerations for advising researchers on potential risks. Participants will also explore the practical application of Field Biosafety Levels (FBSLs) as a proposed standardized approach to managing zoonotic risks in diverse field environments. In the final session, participants will be given a brief recap, followed by an interactive implementation practice exercise. Real-world examples, including visual aids illustrating proper and improper biosafety practices, will be reviewed. Participants will engage in active discussions, analyzing images to identify potential biosafety hazards and propose solutions. The webinar concludes with an open Q&A session.
COURSE FACULTY
The webinar will be presented by the following subject matter expert: Marc Valitutto, VMD, Wildlife Veterinarian and Biosafety Expert, specializing in zoonotic disease investigations and the development of the Field Biosafety Levels framework, Field Biosafety Solutions, New York, NY
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
- Biosafety professionals and researchers involved in research activity in outdoor, non-laboratory settings
- Veterinarians, field researchers, and support personnel working in zoonotic disease investigations
- Environmental health and safety officers overseeing field-based research activities
CONTACT HOURS
This course has been approved for 0.5 CM points toward RBP/CBSP recertification. ABSA International is approved as a provider of continuing education programs in the clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.® Program. This course is approved for 4.5 P.A.C.E.® contact hours.
The links to the various invitations for the course will be unique to the user and cannot be shared. The links are for single, individual use only. If more than one occurrence of an individual’s name is on the Zoom attendee list or a name not of the roster, all instances will be removed from the webinar with no refund. The webinar and its associated links are for single, individual use only.
The webinar will be two 2-hour sessions on Wednesday, July 16 and July 23, 2025, at 1:00 pm (CDT). For the webinar sessions, you should plan on logging in 15 minutes prior to the start time. You are required to attend the webinar sessions, complete and/or access all the modules in the course on the training site to receive the completion certificate through the ABSA International Training Site. The link in the invitation will be unique to the user and cannot be shared.
COURSE FEES
ABSA Members: $175 USD
Nonmembers: $265 USD
To obtain the ABSA member rate, the participant will need to be an ABSA member in the year in which the training is offered. Course fees include: course handouts, access to the ABSA International training site, and 2 hours of interactive instruction from a well-respected subject matter expert.
Group Discount:
10% off each registration for 3-4 participants from the same organization
20% off each registration for 5-9 participants from the same organization
30% off each registration for 10 or more participants from the same organization
Contact the ABSA office to register your group
To obtain the ABSA member rate, the participant will need to be an ABSA member in the year in which the training is offered. Confirmed, paid participants will be sent detailed information regarding the course within a few days prior to the course. Substitutions allowed with notice by 6/18/2025. There is a 15% processing fee for cancellations prior to 6/25/2025. Cancellations between 6/25/2025 and 7/2/2025 will be refunded 50% of the course fee. No refunds after 7/2/2025.
The links to the various invitations for the course will be unique to the user and cannot be shared. The links are for single, individual use only. If more than one occurrence of an individual’s name is on the Zoom attendee list or a name not of the roster, all instances will be removed from the webinar with no refund. The webinar and its associated links are for single, individual use only.
QUESTIONS
Please direct questions about this course to:
KariAnn DeServi, MEd
Director of Education, ABSA
866.425.1385 / education@absa.org
