Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

What is the primary reason for keeping animals in quarantine?

1. To ensure quicker adaptation

2. To promote breeding

3. To observe behavioral changes

4. To prevent disease transmission

The correct answer is: To prevent disease transmission

The primary reason for keeping animals in quarantine is to prevent disease transmission. Quarantine procedures are essential in laboratory settings to ensure that any new animals brought into a facility do not introduce pathogens that could potentially spread to other animals or compromise the integrity of ongoing research. By isolating incoming animals for a designated period, veterinary staff can monitor their health status for signs of illness, conduct necessary testing, and treat any identified diseases before the animals interact with the established population. This practice is vital for maintaining a healthy and safe environment for all animals and for upholding the standards required for scientific accuracy in research. The other options, while relevant to some aspects of animal care and management, do not capture the primary focus of quarantine measures as effectively as preventing disease.