Precautions Against B Virus Infection

Herpes encephalitis

“…In the past 30 years fifteen cases of B virus infection have occurred and thirteen have been fatal (Perkins & Hartley, 1966). The majority have occurred in the past 10 years since the large-scale production of polio vaccine which entails the use of large numbers of experimental animals.…”

“…The main emphasis should be placed on preventive measures and ensure that animal handlers and all scientific staff are aware of the risk and take precautions to see that the risk of infection is minimized. Instructions regarding this have been prepared by Perkins et al (1966). If these are adhered to the risk of further cases should be materially reduced.…”

Viruses Transmissible from Laboratory Animals to Man

“…The danger to man of this agent has been discussed recently by Perkins & Hartley (1966), who suggest a strict regime for handling monkeys in the laboratory.…”

A safe method of handling rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta)

“…Workers using this species are advised (Young, Flemming, Benson & Harris, 1957;Ayres, Hook, MacMilIan & Kowalewski, 1960;Coid & Laursen, 1963;Young, 1965;Perkins & Hartley, 1966) to maintain the highest standards of hygiene both personally and in the accommodation provided for the animals. These precautions are wise and afford considerable protection for handlers as long as the animals are kept in their cages.…”

“…However, their value is considerably diminished if not completely abolished when animals are handled with the recommended methods involving the use of nets and manual restraint (Gay, 1960;Gisler, Benson & Young, 1960;Stone, 1962;Coid & Laursen, 1963;Robinson, 1964;Young, 1965). Tranquillizing drugs (Coid & Laursen, 1963;Melby & Baker, 1965;Perkins & Hartley, 1966) are safe only if given in doses sufficient to render the animals unconscious. In many situations, this is totally impracticable: furthermore, the administration of these drugs introduces an additional, and possibly undesirable, factor to many physiological experiments.…”