Handling small arbovirus vectors safely during biosafety level 3 containment: Culicoides variipennis sonorensis (Diptera:Ceratopogonidae) and exotic bluetongue viruses.
Equipment and procedures are described for biosafety level 3 (BL-3) containment work with small, zoophilic arthropods. BL-3 classified pathogens always must be manipulated in biological safety cabinets. Procedures, including physical barriers and handling methods, that prevent the escape of potentially virus-infected insects are discussed, and the use of a monitoring system for insect security is explained. The inability to recover escaped minute, flying insects poses a major difference from similar work with larger insects, such as mosquitoes. Methods were developed for the safe and secure handling of Culicoides variipennis sonorensis Wirth & Jones infected with exotic bluetongue viruses during BL-3 containment.
Hunt
G J
GJ
Arthropod-Borne Animal Diseases Research Laboratory, USDA-ARS, Laramie, WY 82071, USA.
Tabachnick
W J
WJ
D000818:Animals; D001103:Arboviruses; D001820:Bluetongue virus; D002519:Ceratopogonidae / Q000821:virology*; D003264:Containment of Biohazards; D007303:Insect Vectors / Q000821:virology*