Final answer:
The correct option is B). The process of separating animals suspected of carrying infectious diseases to prevent their spread to others is called quarantine.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term that describes the procedure of separating animals known to have or suspected of carrying infectious diseases that may spread to other animals or to lab personnel is quarantine. When an infectious disease is identified, especially under the classifications of the four biological safety levels (BSLs) established by the CDC and NIH, the priority is to prevent its spread. Quarantine involves the isolation of individuals or animals to achieve this, ensuring there is no spread of contagious diseases like the zoonotic Q fever caused by Coxiella burnetii.
Quarantine is different from general sanitation practices and measures such as disinfection or antisepsis, which are used to reduce microbial load on surfaces and skin, respectively. Sanitation might not eliminate all pathogens, requiring a stronger chemical known as a sterilant for complete sterility. Quarantine, on the other hand, restricts the movement of the suspect individual or animal to prevent transmission of the disease.