The University of Florida Animal Contact Medical Monitoring Program is designed to protect our employees, students, affiliates, and volunteers from exposure to conditions that may result in animal-related illnesses. The UF IACUC verifies that all personnel listed on new and continuing animal use protocols are enrolled in the program. For questions about filling out the form, please contact EH&S’s OCCMED Coordinator. For medical questions, please call the OCCMED Clinic at (352) 294-5700.

Animal Contact Medical Monitoring Program Enrollment

Medical monitoring is based on the type and frequency of exposure to animals and consists of a risk assessment, follow-up assessments, and tests/immunizations as needed. All program participants must be cleared prior to initiating animal contact. To enroll or renew participation in the program and obtain a medical clearance:

1. Complete the Risk Assessment for Animal Contact  form and submit it to the Occupational Medicine Clinic as instructed on the form. College of Veterinary Medicine Participants only use this Risk Assessment for Animal Contact at VetMed form.
   • Completed Risk Assessment forms must be submitted electronically via e-mail to the Occupational Medicine Clinic.  DO NOT email completed forms to EH&S. 
   • Please read form instructions carefully prior to submission. Incomplete or incorrect forms may delay processing. A supervisor signature is always required except for Department Chairs or Deans.
2. Occupational Medicine providers will determine if further clinical interaction or added precautions are needed to protect your health. To schedule a medical appointment, call 352-294-5700.
3. Track your clearance status online in myUFL>My Self Service>My Personal Information>UF Health Assessment
4. Read the Animal Contact Program Handbook.
5. Participants must renew their risk assessment:
   • at least every three years to maintain clearance for animal contact.
   • when there are changes in work assignment (i.e., change in species, contact levels) or changes in personal health status (development of a chronic illness or condition, immune suppression, pregnancy, development of animal or environmental allergies).

Animal Contact Program Requirement

Program requirements are based upon those outlined in the Public Health Services Policy on the Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals and Occupational Health and Safety in the Care and Use of Research Animals, as well as the recommendations of the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC). EH&S oversees the Animal Contact Program administratively.  The Occupational Medicine Clinic at the Student Health Care Center is the medical provider for the program and maintains the medical records.

The Animal Contact Program enrollment is required for individuals who:

• Handle or work with live animals,
• Handle unfixed animal tissues or body fluids, including animal waste,
• Are listed on an Institutional Animal Care and Use (IACUC) protocol, or
• Access Animal Care Services (ACS) managed facilities or vivaria

Individuals with Incidental/Infrequent Exposure or who Conduct Observational Studies in the Field

Participation in the Animal Contact Medical Monitoring Program is not required. However, you must:

• Read the Animal Contact Program Handbook, and
• Be advised that some persons are at increased risk from animal-associated disease:
  • Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
  • Immune compromised persons
  • Individuals with known animal allergies
• Contact the Occupational Medicine Clinic, 352-294-5700, for additional information

Visitors Entering ACS-Managed Facilities or Vivaria

Participation in the Animal Contact Program is not required if you:

• Visits are 5 times or less within a 30-day period
• The Request for Visitors to Observe Animal Research and ACS Director’s Instructions Regarding Associated Health Risks forms are signed and approved
• Contact ACS at 352-273-9230
• Visitors are escorted at all times and wear their issued visitor badge

Additional requirements apply for specialized areas:

• Animal Biosafety Level 3 (ABSL3) areas (BioPath Medical Monitoring Program)
• Biomedical research and housing areas for sheep (Respiratory protection required)