What publication is considered the standard by which all occupational health programs involving research animals are measured?

• A. Occupational Health and Safety in the Care and Use of Research Animals
• B. Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals
• C. APHIS Animal Care Policy Manual
• D. Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories

Answer: (A)

Occupational health in animal research settings is guided by a publication that specifically addresses protecting the health of personnel who work with animals. It covers how to assess and manage risks, implement medical surveillance, determine necessary vaccinations or health evaluations, maintain health records, ensure appropriate PPE and vaccination programs, and outline procedures if exposures occur. Because it targets the health and safety of staff operating around research animals, it is regarded as the standard against which institutional occupational health programs are measured.

The other publications focus on different aspects. The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals covers how animals should be housed, cared for, and used in research, but not the specifics of worker health programs. The APHIS Animal Care Policy Manual deals with regulatory compliance under the Animal Welfare Act, not the benchmark for occupational health programs. Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories concentrates on biosafety practices and containment for handling biological agents, not on the overall occupational health program for personnel working with animals.