What document provides the guidelines for working with infectious diseases in animal research?

The document titled "Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories" specifically addresses the procedures, practices, and guidelines necessary for ensuring safety when working with infectious agents in laboratory settings. It outlines risk assessment protocols, containment strategies, and the safe handling of biological materials, which is crucial for researchers working with animals that may be exposed to infectious diseases.

This document is vital in the context of animal research because it provides clear protocols for minimizing the risk of zoonotic infections and ensuring the health and safety of both the animal subjects and the personnel conducting the research. Researchers must understand and implement these biosafety principles when designing studies that involve infectious agents, thereby promoting responsible and ethical research practices.

In contrast, the other documents referenced, while important, do not specifically focus on infectious diseases in the same way. The Animal Welfare Act sets broad standards for animal care and treatment. The Public Health Service Policy emphasizes the welfare of research animals and compliance with ethical standards but does not delve deeply into biosafety specifics. The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals provides comprehensive guidance on the humane treatment of laboratory animals, but it does not focus exclusively on infectious diseases. Therefore, "Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories" is the most pertinent document for guidelines