Working with animals

Working with animals is a biosafety risk. Immunisations are recommended, and you should be aware that some animals can cause allergies.

Facility induction

Before you begin working with animals, you need to read and complete the induction checklist.

Immunisations

Immunisations are recommended before working with animals. See the table below and check the Immunisation Grid for what immunisations we recommend.

To arrange immunisation or screening, complete the universal immunisation form and email it to BPD-OHNC@monash.edu.

Animal types and the immunisations required to work with them
Animal type Immunisation type

Rats or mice

Tetanus and diphtheria

Sheep, goats, cattle, camels or kangaroos

  • Q Fever
  • Tetanus and diphtheria

Non-human primates (e.g. macaques or marmosets)

  • Hepatitis A
  • Hepatitis B
  • Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)
  • Polio
  • Tetanus and diphtheria
  • Tuberculosis screening

Bats, microbats, or flying foxes

  • Rabies/lyssavirus
  • Tetanus and diphtheria

Risk of mosquito bites (e.g. collecting mosquitos in areas where Japanese encephalitis is endemic, veterinary work, working with pigs or in piggeries)

Japanese encephalitis

Poultry (e.g. chicken and ducks)

  • Influenza
  • Tetanus and diphtheria

Pigs or in piggeries

  • Influenza
  • Japanese encephalitis
  • Tetanus and diphtheria

If you’re working with other animals, contact your doctor or email hsw@monash.edu for specific advice.

Procedures and resources

Need help?

For additional information, email the Health, Safety & Wellbeing team at hsw@monash.edu.