All persons using laboratories at Texas A&M-Kingsville are bound to the safety procedures stated in the University’s Chemical Hygiene Plan. This appendix deals with specific procedures pertaining to zoological specimens and is designed as a supplement to the Chemical Hygiene Plan. Refer to various sections within the Chemical Hygiene Plan to obtain information on safety procedures not covered in this appendix.

The following are minimum guidelines for working with preserved specimens and should be adhered to at all times.

1. For specimens preserved in formalin, formaldehyde, or alcohol, contact with the chemicals must be avoided. Appropriate PPE must be worn while working with preserved specimens.
   
2. Formalin and formaldehyde are known carcinogens. To avoid breathing vapors from the specimens, conduct all work in a fume hood or well ventalated area.. Avoid contact with the specimens.
   
3. If the specimen can be viewed adequately within its container, avoid removing it from the container. This prevents unnecessary exposure to the preservative.
   
4. If the specimen is to be dissected, any organs or tissues that are removed from the organism should be retained to prevent unnecessary contamination of landfills and/or sewers. A plastic zip-lock bag is useful for this purpose. Do not wash tissues or liquid preservative down sink drains.
   
5. When a specimen is no longer of use, it should be properly disposed. Large specimens must be buried, medium specimens must be taken to the county animal shelter, and small specimens may be placed in the local trash. Consult with the University’s Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee for proper disposal procedures.
   
6. Clean and sanitize all dissecting instruments and trays so that they are free of tissue, hair, and preservative. Dry the instruments to prevent rusting.

2.0 NON-PRESERVED SPECIMENS

The following are minimum guidelines for working with non-preserved specimens and should be adhered to at all times.

1. Specimens that are not preserved shall be stored in a freezer unit (or a refrigerator if the experiment will be impaired by freezing). The specimen must be used as soon as possible to avoid spoilage.
   
2. Care must be taken to avoid contact with body fluids of animal specimens, as they may be contaminated with virulent bacteria, viruses, etc., or the toxins of such organisms. Gloves, safety glasses, and a protective coat must be worn. A mask also will help prevent droplet infections. Persons commonly performing necropsies on wild animals shall consult a physician concerning immunization for diseases that are prevalent in the area.
   
3. Some animal specimens may carry vectors (such as fleas, worms, and ticks) which can transmit disease. Avoid contact with such parasites, and attempt to contain them when possible. Fleas, for example, are carriers of many harmful diseases, and will readily jump from a specimen onto your clothing. Be especially conscious of fleas and other parasites when working with animals that may carry rabies or other such diseases; parasites are also quite capable of spreading these diseases.
   
4. Bodily fluids of animals must be treated in the same manner as bodily fluids of humans; assume that such fluids may be contaminated with potential pathogens. If noxious vapors are also a problem, work within a fume hood. After completion of work, wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap and water.
   
5. Be extremely careful when working with organisms which have poison glands or other potentially hazardous secretions.
   
6. When a specimen is no longer of use, it should be properly disposed. Large specimens must be buried, medium specimens must be taken to the county animal shelter, and small specimens may be placed in the local trash. Consult with the University’s Animal Care and Use Committee for proper procedures.
   
7. Disinfect all instruments after use. Wash all instruments and trays so that they are free of tissues, bodily fluids, and hair. Dry the instruments to prevent rusting.

3.0 LIVE SPECIMENS

It would be quite difficult to outline the proper capture, handling, and confinement techniques for each animal species under study at TAMUK. It is expected, therefore, that each researcher be familiar with the techniques pertaining to the particular animals he or she will be studying. All techniques for use in research projects must be formally approved by the University’s Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. With that in mind, these general guidelines should be followed:

1. Procedures used shall minimize stress to animals and minimize risk to the researcher. Animals should be properly restrained while close-up tests are being performed (drawing blood, taking measurements, etc.).
   
2. Procedures which cause prolonged distress shall be performed with appropriate sedation or anesthesia. This can also help to protect the researcher from bites, scratches, etc. caused by an animal in pain.
   
3. Animals which would experience severe or chronic stress that cannot be relieved shall be euthanized after (or, if appropriate, during) the procedure.
   
4. Euthanasia methods should produce minimal stress for the animal. All methods of euthanasia should be consistent with those methods approved for the species you are working with.
   
5. Animals in captivity shall be held under conditions that are appropriate for their species and contribute to their health and well-being. Special consideration must be given to such factors as hygiene, shelter, nutrition, group composition, and medical care.
   
6. The above guidelines shall be implemented with regard to lab-reared animals as well as wild animals.

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