Center for Laboratory Animal Care
Fact Sheet
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Center for Laboratory Animal Care |
Guinea pigs are docile rodents that rarely, if ever, inflict injuries. There are no significant zoonotic diseases associated with guinea pigs. The major disease potential of guinea pigs is allergy. However, many individuals working with guinea pigs develop serious symptoms related to allergic responses. Strict attention should be paid to the protective clothing recommendations discussed below.
Whenever possible, assign work involving direct animal contact to personnel without preexisting allergies or respiratory conditions
Dust masks, gloves and long sleeved apparel should be worn at all times when working with guinea pigs; whenever there is a risk of aerosol transmission of an infectious agent, approved respirator masks (e.g., Type N95 by 3M company) should be worn instead of dust masks
Wash hands after handling animals
When seeking medical advice for any illness, inform your physician that you work with guinea pigs.
To reduce the risk of exposure to allergens when guinea pigs are transported to or used in laboratories, staff are advised to adhere to the following practices:
Perform procedures in a laminar flow hood whenever possible
Do not wear protective clothing such as lab coats outside of animal areas and laboratories
Keep transport carriers out of labs/offices/public areas
Use disposable supplies whenever possible
Sanitize lab/surgical areas after animal work.
Guinea Pigs are docile animals. Bites and scratches are rare. If injury does occur:
Wash any injured site with soap and water for at least 15 minutes
Control bleeding by applying direct pressure with a sterile gauze or bandage
Cover wound with clean bandage (do not apply ointment or spray)
Seek advice from emergency room physician.
Allergies to guinea pigs are common. Exposure to guinea pigs has frequently been associated with occupational asthma. About 10% of allergen activity is found on particles small enough to penetrate into the lower respiratory tract. Guinea pig urine appears to be the major source of allergen. Other allergenic components are found in dander, fur and saliva.
Web page compiled by Dr. Peter Autenried
Copyright © 2002 UConn Health Center. All rights reserved.
Revised: 11/15/2005