Risk-based facility solutions that bridge biosafety gaps in wildlife-based research

Designing and constructing facilities for wildlife research, particularly those involving wild-caught bats, presents unique challenges due to the intersection of biosafety, occupational health, and regulatory ambiguity. With zoonotic risks such as rabies present in bat populations, facility planners must implement advanced containment strategies—including directional airflow and rigorous decontamination protocols—to protect researchers while adhering to Biosafety Level 2/Containment Level 2 standards. Shawn Davis illustrates the risk-based approach to facility design and operating protocols University of Toronto has adopted to bridge gaps between scientific objectives, worker safety, animal welfare, and public health responsibilities. She outlines key stakeholder engagement strategies for identifying conflicts and building consensus for solutions.