Animal Research at UTHealth

The purpose of the Occupational Health Program for Personnel with Animal Exposure is to promote the health and prevent occupational injury and illness among individuals at UTHealth who may have occupational exposure to animals in the Center for Laboratory Animal Medicine and Care or other research facilities or laboratories operated by UTHealth.

The Animal Occupational Health Policy applies to all designated visitors, observers, students, faculty, and staff who work at UTHealth or University managed facilities.  Enrollment in the program is required for all individuals 1) working within the University facilities which house animals; 2) having direct contact with animals; 3) having direct contact with non-sanitized animal cages or enclosures; 4) having direct contact with non-fixed or non-sterilized animal tissues, fluids, and/or wastes; or 5) providing service or support to animal equipment, devices, and/or facilities.

All personnel who meet the criteria noted above must review the document, ”Occupational Health for Individuals Exposed to Animals in Their Work and Studies” in order to become aware of potential risks in animal-related work.  After review of the document:

• UTH personnel should enroll in the UTHealth Occupational Health Program by completion and submission of the Occupational Health Program Enrollment Form to UT Health Services Employee Health [Allan.Webb@uth.tmc.edu, UCT Suite 1620, 713-500-3221]  

• Visitors, observers, or short-term students should enroll in the Occupational Health Program by completion and submission of the Minimal Exposure Personnel Occupational Health Enrollment Form to UT Health Services Employee Health [Ivanna.B.Ehmke@uth.tmc.edu, fax: 713-500-3263]

Questions?  Please visit the UT Health Services – Occupational Health website or call 713-500-3248.