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UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE
PLANT PROTECTION AND QUARANTINE
CONTAINMENT GUIDELINES
FOR PLANT PATHOGENIC NEMATODES
03, 2002 (Nematodes)
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CONTAINMENT GUIDELINES FOR NEMATODES
CONTENTS
I. PURPOSE OF THIS DOCUMENT
II. CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS FOR THE ENTIRE CONTAINMENT STRUCTURE
A. Location and Identification
B. Floor Plan
C. Walls, ceilings, and floors
D. Windows
E. Doors
F. HVAC system
G. Electrical system
H. Plumbing system
I. Vacuum Cleaning systems
J. Vacuum Aspiration system
K. Communication system
III. CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS FOR SPECIALIZED ROOMS
A. Glasshouses
B. Vestibules
C. Showers and Restrooms
IV. EQUIPMENT STANDARDS
A. Benches, tables and other furniture
B. Sterilization or Decontamination equipment
C. Cages and Containers
D. Biosafety Cabinet
V. OPERATIONAL STANDARDS
A. Containment Director
B. Authorized Personnel
C. Apparel
D. Personal Cleanliness
E. Facility Cleaning and disinfecting
F. Opening and Handling packages
G. Starting, Growing, and Storing cultures
H. PPQ Regulatory Requirements
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CONTAINMENT GUIDELINES FOR NEMATODES.
I. PURPOSE OF THIS DOCUMENT:
These guidelines are a reference to help you (a scientist of a state, federal, or commercial entity)
design, build, maintain, and operate a containment facility for plant pathogenic nematodes that
are non-indigenous or of limited distribution. Widely distributed indigenous nematodes may not
require a containment facility. These guidelines are not intended for nematodes of medical and
veterinary importance. If there is doubt as to the applicability of guidelines to specific
organisms, contact Containment Facilities Staff (CF), or Permits and Risk Assessment (PRA)
scientific personnel for appropriate guidance.
During inspections or reinspections of your facility, USDA, APHIS, PPQ personnel will review