ALAT Animal Husbandry and Environment Questions and Answers

Question 1

Which of the following environmental factors is considered a component of the macroenvironment in an animal facility?

Accepted Answer

The light intensity and cycle in the animal room

Answer

Bedding material inside a mouse cage

Answer

The social structure within a group-housed primate enclosure

Answer

The temperature and humidity within a specific microisolator cage

Question 2

A newly hired ALAT is instructed to disinfect a surface that has been contaminated with organic material. What is the essential first step they must take before applying the disinfectant?

Accepted Answer

Mechanically remove the organic material and clean the surface with a detergent.

Answer

Rinse the surface with hot water to kill initial microbes.

Answer

Apply a concentrated bleach solution to the organic material.

Answer

Allow the surface to air dry completely to weaken the contaminants.

Question 3

An animal technician observes that a room housing mice has a humidity level of 85%. According to the 'Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals', why is this a concern?

Accepted Answer

High humidity can lead to increased microbial growth and animal discomfort.

Answer

Low humidity can cause ringtail in rats and respiratory issues.

Answer

High humidity has no significant effect on rodent health.

Answer

The ideal humidity range is between 10% and 20%.

Question 4

Which of the following is the BEST example of environmental enrichment aimed at promoting species-specific behavior in rodents?

Accepted Answer

Providing deep bedding and nesting material.

Answer

Playing loud music in the animal room during the light cycle.

Answer

Housing mice in individual, barren cages to prevent fighting.

Answer

Keeping the room lights on 24 hours a day to facilitate observation.

Question 5

A research protocol requires that mice be housed in static microisolator cages. To ensure proper animal welfare and a stable microenvironment, how often should these cages typically be changed?

Accepted Answer

At least once every two weeks (biweekly).

Answer

Every 28 days to minimize animal stress.

Answer

Only when they become visibly soiled.

Answer

Daily, to provide a completely sterile environment.

Question 6

What is the primary reason for maintaining a negative pressure differential in an animal quarantine or infectious disease room?

Accepted Answer

To ensure air flows from the hallway into the room, preventing contaminants from escaping.

Answer

To increase the number of air changes per hour within the room.

Answer

To make the room warmer and more comfortable for recovering animals.

Answer

To ensure air flows from the room into the hallway, pushing clean air towards other colonies.