The Natural History Research and Museum Center at the University of Baghdad, with the support and guidance of the Center’s Director, Assistant Professor Dr. Hanaa Hani Al-Saffar, organized a workshop entitled “Risks of Collecting Biological Samples” on Monday, April 6, 2026. The workshop was facilitated by Assistant Lecturer Ali Kamel Wanas and presented by Professor Dr. Razzaq Shaalan Augul and Assistant Lecturer Shatha Abdul Latif Hamoudi.
The workshop aimed to raise awareness of the health and environmental risks associated with collecting biological samples from the wild and to emphasize the importance of adhering to biosafety procedures and using personal protective equipment to minimize disease transmission and protect individuals and the environment.
Collecting biological samples from the wild carries significant risks, most notably the transmission of zoonotic diseases (such as rabies, plague, and salmonella) to sample collectors through direct contact or vectors, exposure to toxins (secretion of amphibians and poisonous animals), physical hazards (bites and stings), environmental hazards, and the challenges of rugged terrain. Natural history museums are essential for protecting species through documentation and preservation (models or specimens of animals and plants), conducting scientific research to understand ecosystems, raising public awareness and educating the public about the importance of biodiversity and the threats it faces, as well as providing platforms for field studies and international collaboration, thus contributing to the development of effective strategies for wildlife conservation for future generations.
The most important recommendations that emerged from the workshop, in light of the health and environmental risks associated with collecting biological samples from the wild, include strict adherence to biosafety procedures and the use of appropriate personal protective equipment, along with training for staff on preventing zoonotic diseases and safe handling methods for living organisms. It is also advisable to conduct environmental risk assessments in advance and to provide emergency plans and field first aid to ensure the safety of researchers during fieldwork.
We wish all the faculty members of our center continued success in serving the community, science, and knowledge.
