Field Biosafety Levels: A Risk-Based Solution Across Scientific Disciplines

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the critical interface between humans and animals has garnered significant attention in both media and legislative circles. However, the absence of standardized guidelines for personal protection in field research poses a concerning safety gap. Join our presentation to learn about the novel conception of Field Biosafety Levels (FBSLs), which serves to offer the FIRST standardized guidelines for personal protection in field research with animals and in their natural habitats. These FBSLs, developed with respect to leading organizations like the CDC, OSHA, EPA, WHO, and WOAH, offer a transformative path toward enhanced safety in the field. We’ll delve into key elements such as team dynamics, advanced training methods, innovative field containment strategies, meticulous decontamination procedures, responsible waste management, and precisely tailored personal protective equipment. Moreover, we’ll demonstrate how these guidelines adapt to diverse local regulations, cultures, perceptions, and their significant impact on communities and the environment. Your valuable input, as a stakeholder, will play a pivotal role in refining field safety standards and practices. Join us in shaping a safer, more resilient future in field research.

Speaker: Marc Valitutto, VMD, Senior Field Veterinarian, EcoHealth Alliance

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