CDC’s laboratory animals are used for infectious disease biomedical research in the broad classification categories of virology, bacteriology, mycology, immunology, and parasitology. Predominate clinical activities include scheduled physicals, surgical research support, and general veterinary procedures to ensure the health and well-being of the research animals.

The CDC program is unique because it is partnered with a major academic institution and specialized training in biocontainment is part of the core program. The program is best described as a stacked 2 plus 2 program. The first two years are dedicated to completing the ACLAM recognized laboratory animal medicine residency program. After completion of the residency program, individuals are required to complete an additional two years of training in which they sit for ACLAM boards, gain further biocontainment experience, and refine their clinical and leadership skills. Opportunities for external rotations at other facilities (such as CROs, NPRCs, other federal agencies, etc.) are supplementary to the regular training program and may be available with approval by the program director.

Critical to the mission and organization of CDC is the Coordinating Center for Infectious Disease (CCID) and within CCID, the National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID). NCEZID provides national leadership in the identification, investigation, diagnosis, prevention, and control of infectious diseases. As the national infectious disease laboratory of the public health service, NCEZID conducts research in the definition, characterization, pathogenesis, and diagnosis of those infectious diseases that are considered public health priorities. NCEZID has developed expertise in detecting rare, exotic, or unusual diseases and is recognized for extensive capabilities in vector-borne diseases. NCEZID also provides reference laboratory services, laboratory surveillance, technical assistance, and epidemiological aid to states and nations throughout the world in the diagnosis, control, and prevention of infectious diseases. NCEZID internationally-recognized research scientists, physicians, veterinarians, and others are engaged in research training, and control activities that are both national and worldwide in scope. The animal care and use program in the Atlanta area is closely aligned with the NCEZID. CDC’s laboratory animals are used for infectious disease biomedical research in the broad classification categories of virology, bacteriology, mycology, immunology, and parasitology. Approximately, 108 research protocols are approved for animal research by 55 principal investigators (PIs) in two Atlanta-area locations.

Genzer SC, Welch SR, Scholte FEM, Harmon JR, Coleman-McCray JD, Lo MK, Montgomery JM, Nichol ST, Spiropoulou CF, Spengler JR. Alterations in Blood Chemistry Levels Associated With Nipah Virus Disease in the Syrian Hamster Model. J Infect Dis. 2020

Crystal H. Johnson, Congrong Miao, Elisabeth G. Blanchardb, Hayat Caidib, Gertrud U. Radub, Jennifer L. Harcourtb, Lia M. Haynes:
Chemokine Receptor CX3CR1 Deficiency Alters Innate Cell Recruitment Following Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection

Jessica D Ayers, Paul A Rota, Marcus L Collins, and Clifton P Drew. Alternatives to Retro orbital Blood Collection in Hispid Cotton Rats (Sigmodon hispidus)

Johnson CH, Skinner BL, Dietz SM, Blaney D, Engel RM, Lathrop GW, Hoffmaster AR, Gee JE, Elrod MG, Powell N, Walke H. Natural infection of Burkholderia pseudomallei in an imported pigtail macaque (Macaca nemestrina) and management of the exposed colony. Comp Med. 2013;63(6):528-35.

Tansey C, Zhao C, Hopkins A, Ritter JM, Fakile YF, Pillay A, Katz SS, Pereira L, Mitchell J, Deyounks F, Kersh EN, McNicholl JM, Vishwanathan SA. A Nonhuman Primate Model for Rectally Transmitted Syphilis. J Infect Dis. 2018 Mar 13;217(7):1139-1144.

CDC works 24/7 to protect America from health, safety and security threats, both foreign and in the U.S. Whether diseases start at home or abroad, are chronic or acute, curable or preventable, human error or deliberate attack, CDC fights disease and supports communities and citizens to do the same.