When performing necropsies on animals with potential bioterrorism risk, which level of PPE is recommended?

• A. No PPE required
• B. Protective clothing, gloves, and a surgical mask
• C. Protective clothing only
• D. Full hazmat suit

Answer: (B)

PPE selection for necropsies under potential bioterrorism risk focuses on providing a practical barrier that reduces exposure to infectious materials while keeping procedures feasible. Protective clothing, gloves, and a surgical mask offer a basic but effective level of protection: protective clothing shields the skin and clothing from contamination, gloves prevent hand contact with infectious material, and a mask helps reduce inhalation of droplets that could be generated during dissection and handling. This level is a safety floor that minimizes risk without the burden and impracticality of a full hazmat ensemble for routine suspected-threat cases. The other options either leave you unprotected, provide incomplete protection, or impose excessive encumbrance not warranted for standard necropsy work with uncertain risk. In higher-risk or confirmed threat situations, additional protection such as eye protection and respirators would be employed, but for this scenario the minimum recommended combination is protective clothing, gloves, and a surgical mask.