Balancing Animal Welfare, Human Safety, and Research in Agriculture High Containment

Abstract

Livestock research is paramount to understanding the risks associated with unintentional and intentional introductions of emerging, reemerging, and transboundary animal diseases, including their relationship to both the security of the economy and the nation’s food supply. Research involving large animal species conducted in maximum containment Biosafety Level (BSL)-3Ag and BSL-4 facilities include Health and Human Services and United States Department of Agriculture Select Agents that can have severe consequences on both animal agricultural industry and public health. This themed issue of ILAR spans the spectrum of concerns related to this special niche within the animal research community with an emphasis on a review of available research, current trends, and novel approaches relevant to those conducting large animal research with high-risk agents and those charged with regulating those facilities and programs. Articles are authored by those embedded in the high- and maximum-containment community, directly involved with the work, detailing the unique challenges associated with BSL-3 and BSL-4 livestock research.