Field Safety Considerations During Work with Bats: Returning to the Laboratory Environment

Introduction : This article presents comprehensive safety guidelines and risk management strategies for conducting research involving bats in laboratory environments, building upon previously established field safety recommendations. With the increasing use of bats in biomedical and ecological research, proper handling, housing, biosafety, and biosecurity measures are critical for protecting researchers, the surrounding community, and animal welfare. Methods : This document discusses essential topics such as institutional review processes, medical surveillance, regulatory compliance, and the transportation of live bats and their biological materials. It also includes a discussion of pathogens of concern that may be found in bats or bat samples, from rabies and other lyssaviruses to filoviruses, henipaviruses, and others. It emphasizes the need for robust risk assessments tailored to various laboratory settings, highlighting procedures for handling potentially infectious tissues and fluids and managing bat housing in vivarium facilities. In addition, it addresses considerations for quarantine, environmental controls, and biosafety and biosecurity protocols that are critical for protecting researchers and the community, specifically the use of personal protective equipment and training requirements for laboratory personnel. Discussion : By detailing these safety practices using a holistic approach from a broad background of expertise, this article aims to equip researchers and biosafety professionals with the tools necessary to establish a safe and ethical framework for bat-related studies, facilitating responsible and effective research while minimizing zoonotic risks and supporting conservation efforts.