Who is allowed to have live samples of botulism?

Live samples of botulism, specifically the bacteria Clostridium botulinum, are typically restricted to research laboratories and facilities that meet strict regulatory and safety standards. These entities must be equipped to handle hazardous materials and are often governed by biOSafety regulations from organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Researchers studying botulism for vaccine development or therapeutic purposes may also have access under controlled conditions.