AVMA guidelines for dealing with AIDS-infected persons in the veterinary workplace

Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a human disease; human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) does not infect animals other than nonhuman primates. Veterinarians and their employees are no more at risk by reason of their employment than are workers in offices. Cautions for health care workers do not generally apply to animal health care workers, but they are good rules to follow if it is necessary to render first aid for human injuries in the workplace. Veterinarians are advised to have properly equipped first aid kits available in case of need. Employees with HIV infection or AIDS should be treated in the same way that any other ill or disabled employee would be treated. They should be given the opportunity to continue work as long as they are able to perform most of the essential functions of their jobs. Their privacy must be respected, but if their condition becomes known, they must not be discriminated against by employers or other employees. All employees should be instructed in basic information regarding HIV infection and AIDS, so they understand what is and is not a hazard. They should also be trained to deal safely with human injuries and be informed of their rights and the rights of other employees in case one of them is infected with HIV.