Muhammad Rafiq, Jamshaid Hasnain.
Occupational zoonosis and laboratory animals-based research in pakistan: a strategic vision for the welfare of laboratory animals.
Pak J Med Res Jan ;57(3):125-9.

Worldwide history shows, zoonosis has resulted in number of deaths and has a negative impact on economies. Zoonosis is not only limited to the wild or domestic animals but there is also a risk of zoonosis for researchers working with the laboratory animals in research institutes/universities. In the laboratory animal facilities, exposure of zoonotic agents from laboratory animals to humans has occupational and public health importance. In addition to the public health importance, the presence of zoonotic agents and other infections also affect the quality and reproducibly of biomedical research. According to international biomedical laboratory animal-based research data, the primary laboratory animal species being used mostly are rodents especially mice. Rodents including mice are the sources of various zoonotic agents. So, working with laboratory rodents, various diseases can be transmitted to researchers, technical and managerial staff. These diseases are usually asymptomatic in laboratory animals but can cause serious illness in humans and may also affect the reproducibility and quality of research. This review article mainly focuses on common zoonotic diseases of rats and mice, their mode of transmission and prevention. Most importantly, authors in this review article, are proposing a strategic vision focusing on making legislation, councils/associations to regulate laboratory animal care and use program for laboratory animal-based research in Pakistan. This strategic vision will not only help to prevent zoonosis but also help to improve the quality and reproducibility of animal-based research. Key words: Zoonosis, laboratory rodents, mouse, rat, animal research, reproducibility, occupational health, laboratory animal research, Pakistan.

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