Office of Animal Care Compliance (OACC)

Medical Clearance to Work with Animals

Note: Every single person who handles animals or their blood or tissues in the laboratory or in the field must be medically cleared to do so annually.

Initial Animal Contact Health History Questionaire– If you are new to UNM or new to working with animals, click here.

Annual Animal Contact Health History Questionaire – If you have completed an EOHS Animal Contact questionnaire previously, click here. Then just email the completed questionnaire to eohs@salud.unm.edu.

Employee Occupational Health

COEHP   (505-272-8043)

Animal Contact Clearance Checklist

For all individuals that will be working with animals at the University of New Mexico, the following conditions must be met:

• WHO must have COEHP clearance to work with animals?
  1. All persons working with animals or animal tissues on the HSC Campus, this includes Investigators, Technicians, and Animal Care Staff.
  2. All animal care staff on the Main Campus.
  3. Any person working with animals on the Main Campus where the study design of the project concentrates on the collection of animals that are potential pathogenic vectors.
• WHEN do I need this clearance to work with animals?
1. COEHP clearance is required before touching any animals, or before access to any animal facilities will be given.

• WHERE is COEHP located?
  1. COEHP is located in the Family Practice Building on the HSC Campus.

• WHY do I need this?
  1. Working with animals presents its own unique health and safety issues not usually found elsewhere in the University. Risks Include:
     • Zoonoses such as viral and bacterial diseases, skin diseases or parasites
     • Bites
     • Animal allergies
     • Latex allergies
     • Other hazards involved in research such as radiation, infectious diseases, or chemicals.
  2. Individuals working with animals must be aware of these risks and the precautions necessary to protect themselves.