ALAT Animal Health and Welfare 2

Question 1

A mouse is found with labored breathing, hunched posture, and ruffled fur. What is the most appropriate first action?

Accepted Answer

Remove the animal from the group and notify the veterinarian

Answer

Sick animals should be isolated to prevent disease spread and reported to the veterinarian for evaluation and treatment.

Question 2

Which of the following best describes 'environmental enrichment' in laboratory animal care?

Accepted Answer

Providing stimuli that promote species-typical behaviors and reduce stress

Answer

Environmental enrichment includes structures, social housing, and materials that allow animals to express natural behaviors and improve psychological well-being.

Question 3

When monitoring a rat colony for pain, which behavioral sign is LEAST reliable as a sole indicator?

Accepted Answer

Normal coat condition

Answer

Normal coat condition alone does not confirm absence of pain; animals in pain may maintain grooming early in a disease process.

Question 4

Which principle of the 3Rs specifically focuses on reducing animal suffering and improving animal welfare during a study?

Accepted Answer

Refinement

Answer

Refinement involves modifying procedures to minimize pain, suffering, distress, and lasting harm to animals.

Question 5

A technician notices a rabbit repeatedly pressing its abdomen against the cage floor. This behavior most likely indicates:

Accepted Answer

Abdominal discomfort or pain

Answer

Pressing the abdomen against a surface (belly pressing) is a recognized sign of gastrointestinal pain or abdominal discomfort in rabbits.

ALAT - Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician Practice Test

ALAT - Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician Practice Test

ALAT Animal Health and Welfare 2