11. Field Biosafety: Protecting Researchers and Communities in Wildlife Disease Investigations
WebinarThis 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.