Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

Which of the following is a key indicator of a well-maintained animal health program?

1. Increase in animal body weight

2. Low occurrence of disease

3. Frequent room checks

4. Regular dietary changes

The correct answer is: Low occurrence of disease

A low occurrence of disease is a key indicator of a well-maintained animal health program because it reflects effective preventative measures, proper husbandry practices, and overall animal welfare. Monitoring and managing disease outbreaks is crucial for ensuring the health of the animals and the integrity of the research being conducted. A well-maintained health program includes proper vaccination schedules, biosecurity measures, and diligent monitoring of animal health, all of which contribute to minimizing disease incidence. While an increase in animal body weight might suggest good nutrition and growth, it does not directly correlate with overall health if the animals are experiencing underlying health issues. Frequent room checks can help in early identification of potential health problems, but on their own do not measure the effectiveness of the health program. Regular dietary changes could indicate attention to the animals' needs, but they might also lead to stress or nutritional inconsistencies if not handled properly. Therefore, a low occurrence of disease best signifies a robust and effective animal health management system.