In an outbreak where two calves died suddenly and several cows aborted late in pregnancy, should necropsies be performed?

• A. No. You must call a university pathologist to help you do the necropsy.
• B. Yes. No precautions are necessary, since zoonotic agents are rare.
• C. No. Call state or federal officials; tell them that you suspect a foreign animal disease.
• D. Yes, but wear protective clothing, gloves, and a surgical mask, and protect the environment.

Answer: (D)

Necropsy during an outbreak must be done with proper biosafety to balance obtaining diagnostic information with protecting people and other animals. The best approach is to perform the necropsy wearing protective clothing, gloves, and a surgical mask, and to take steps to protect the environment, so that potential infectious agents in tissues are not spread through the work area. This minimizes exposure to aerosols and contact with contaminated material and ensures proper decontamination of the workspace. Relying on no precautions or assuming special personnel are always required misses the essential safety practice, and ignoring protective measures can lead to zoonotic transmission or environmental contamination.