Would it be possible to work in a BSL4 lab without having to perform animal testing?

[H Singh]

Would it be possible to work in a BSL4 lab without having to perform animal testing?

First of all let me make it clear that although I love animals I do realize that there are times when it is necessary to perform animal testing in order to save human lives, but I don't want to be the person who actually performs the tests.

I would really like to focus on studying some of the world's most dangerous viruses. Obviously, some of these viruses as well as vaccines are tested on animals, but would I have to administer the virus to the test animal or observe the virus run its course? I'm sure there are other tests that do not require animal testing, as well as tests that require working with dead test animals after the disease has run its course. Would it be possible to find a job at the post-doc level dealing with studying BSL4 organisms without directly being involved with animal testing? Could I tell a lab technician working under me to perform that particular part of the test, and I would just deal with examining the dead animals and other tests that do not involve animal tests?

[luisillo]

Even if you are not the person who innoculate viruses in animals, while working in BSL4 you will have to witness, directly or indirectly, the development of the infection and eventually the death of the animal(s).

Maybe you could work with human borne viruses so that you only handle human cells, but I guess that wouldn't be enough in a BSL4.