16. Introduction to Animal Research for Biosafety Professionals

A distance learning opportunity
August 19 and 26, 2026
12:30 PM – 3:00 PM (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.

Instructor:

Susan Harper, DVM, DACLAM, DACVPM, RBP(ABSA), Private Consultant, Shepherdstown, West Virginia
Lesley Colby, DVM, DACLAM, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington

Overview

Animal Research has contributed to major scientific advances in biomedical, veterinary, environmental, and public health science, but presents unique safety challenges and significant risks due to diverse species, complex procedures, and facility hazards. Balancing optimal worker safety and animal welfare with research objectives yields the best results but requires a solid understanding of how animal programs are managed and an ability to identify and mitigate inherent risks. This course provides a thorough introduction to routine hazards commonly encountered in animal programs that utilize rodents, small animals, nonhuman primates, aquatics, and agricultural species, with a primary focus on identifying and managing biological, chemical, radiological, and physical hazards. Topics include assessment and management of animal program hazards; universal regulations, guidelines, and quality standards that apply to animal research; duties and responsibilities of key program personnel; local oversight systems; best practices that enhance the quality of animal care; and strategies for biosafety professionals to develop and maintain effective partnerships with program staff and institutional animal care and use committee members. Opportunities will be provided to apply new knowledge and skills through interactive group activities and problem-solving sessions. The instructors are experienced laboratory animal veterinarians who are actively involved in management, oversight, and evaluation of animal care and use programs. The primary target audience for this course are biosafety and general safety professionals with limited experience in the animal research environment.

Objectives

• Review basic hazard identification and risk assessment techniques relevant to research involving live animals
• Develop an understanding of governing regulations and guidelines that pertain to the care and use of research animals
• Recognize the difference between “regulatory requirements” and “best practices” that relate to performance-based standards
• Identify successful strategies for working effectively with animal program personnel on common research safety issues

Audience Level:

Basic

Suggested Background:

None

Who Should Attend:

All Safety Professionals, New Biosafety Professionals, Laboratory Workers, Facility Managers, Veterinarians

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 clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.^® Program. This course is approved for 5.5 P.A.C.E.^® contact hours. Course access links are unique and for individual use only. Sharing is prohibited. Duplicate logins or unregistered attendees will be removed from the webinar without a refund.