Okay, kiddo, do you know what a secret agent is? They are people who have special skills and knowledge and work for the government to protect us from danger. Now, imagine that there are some things so dangerous that only a few people are allowed to know about them. These things are known as "select agents."
Select agents can be all different kinds of things like viruses, bacteria, and toxins that can harm people and animals. These agents are so dangerous that the government wants to make sure that only very trusted and responsible people have access to them. This is because if they get into the wrong hands or are used improperly, they could cause a lot of harm.
So, to make sure that only the right people have access to select agents, the government has rules and regulations in place. Those who want to work with select agents must be properly trained and licensed. They also have to follow strict safety guidelines and keep detailed records of everything they do.
In short, select agents are things that can be very harmful, and the government wants to make sure they are only handled by people who are trained and responsible.