Animal Contact Information for Students

       You are responsible for reading all the following information regarding

       student-animal contact.

 

Why This Matters

  • UC Davis follows the Animal Welfare Act—a federal law ensuring humane treatment of animals in education and research.
  • The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) oversees animal use and the safety of those who come into contact with animals.
  • Your class activities involving animals are approved by the IACUC and follow strict safety protocols and animal use guidelines.

 

⚠️ Health & Safety Overview

Be Aware of the Following Risks:

  • Zoonoses: Animal diseases that can be transmitted to humans (e.g., from cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, rodents, reptiles, etc.).
  • Allergic Reactions: Some students may have or develop animal allergies.
  • Injuries: Animals can unintentionally cause physical harm.

 

Utilize the Following Precautions:

  • Always wash your hands after contact with animals.
  • Wear long pants and closed-toed/heel shoes.
  • Use protective gear (e.g., lab coats, gloves) when required.
  • Seek medical attention immediately if injured or ill—and inform your instructor.

 

Health Conditions or Concerns:

You should contact the Student Health & Wellness Center or your primary care physician if you:

  • Have allergies
  • Are immunocompromised
  • Are pregnant
  • Have chronic health conditions

Appointments: 530-752-2349
hem.ucdavis.edu

If advised not to attend specific labs, bring documentation to your instructor for alternative   arrangements.

 

REQUIRED Reading Before You Begin Working with Animals

You must review ALL THREE links below:

  1. General Information: Potential Hazards (zoonoses, allergies, injuries)
  2. Universal Precautions & Personal Hygiene
  3. Zoonosis Information by Species – Be sure to read the sections relevant to the animals in your course.

 

Special Note Regarding Q Fever

In certain courses (e.g., labs, field trips), you may be exposed to the following:

  • Animals at the time of parturition
  • Reproductive tracts from harvested animals

This may carry a higher risk of contracting Q Fever, which is a bacterial disease characterized by flu-like symptoms (such as acute fever, headache, etc.).  It is generally caused by direct contact and/or inhalation of the birth products/fluids, urine, feces, or milk of infected animals (primarily sheep, goats, or cattle).  A small percentage of people can develop chronic Q Fever.

Risk and severity are increased, particularly if you are:

  • Pregnant
  • Immunocompromised
  • Have heart valve disease

Learn more about Q Fever and other zoonoses here.

 

✅ Summary

  • Follow all safety protocols.
  • Know the risks.
  • Use the resources provided in this document.
  • Ask your instructor if you have questions.

 

Together, let’s make your hands-on learning experiences safe, educational, and successful.