Findings and Recommendations of the RAV3N Applied Biorisk and Biosafety Gap Assessment Workshop.

Abstract

Introduction: The Research Alliance for Veterinary Science and Biodefense BSL-3 Network (RAV3N) convened an "Applied Biorisk and Biosafety Gap Assessment Workshop" held February 9-10, 2023, in Baltimore, Maryland. As the global prevalence, complexity, and severity of infectious and transboundary veterinary diseases and emerging zoonotic diseases are increasing, there is growing recognition and concern that biorisk management data required to understand and counter these threats are lacking. With sponsorship from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of State, RAV3N partnered with Gryphon Scientific and ABSA International to organize, plan, and deliver this biosafety gap analysis workshop.

Methods: The workshop brought together U.S. and international subject matter experts on veterinary and agricultural biorisk management from seven different countries to methodically identify, categorize, and assess the most pressing biosafety or biocontainment evidence gaps related to research and diagnostic activities of agricultural and veterinary importance.

Results: The workshop findings aligned into the following categories: applied biorisk gap identified and required experiment proposed; research performed, but data not published or shared, mechanisms to share data required; risk assessment tools and process enhancements required; literature review and published summaries required; and additional survey, workshops, and "lessons learned" activities required. RAV3N members further analyzed the original dataset and report 25 prioritized applied biosafety research recommendations of importance to biocontainment facility and veterinary biorisk managers. These recommendations warrant consideration by agencies and policy makers considering funding research to ensure that biorisk management practices and regulations for biocontainment laboratories are evidence-based and built upon the best available science.