ALAT Animal Health and Welfare 3

Question 1

A guinea pig is observed with slobbering, wet fur around the mouth, and weight loss. These signs are most consistent with:

Accepted Answer

Dental malocclusion (slobbers)

Answer

Malocclusion, commonly called 'slobbers,' causes drooling and difficulty eating, leading to weight loss in guinea pigs.

Question 2

In laboratory animal facilities, the term 'clinical endpoint' refers to:

Accepted Answer

A defined humane point at which an animal is removed from a study to prevent unnecessary suffering

Answer

Humane endpoints are predetermined criteria that trigger early removal or euthanasia to minimize animal suffering during a study.

Question 3

Which of the following is the correct approach when a technician discovers an animal that appears to be in severe distress outside of normal working hours?

Accepted Answer

Contact the on-call veterinarian immediately

Answer

Facilities are required to have 24-hour veterinary coverage; severe distress requires immediate veterinary notification regardless of the hour.

Question 4

What does the term 'zoonosis' mean in the context of laboratory animal medicine?

Accepted Answer

A disease that can be transmitted between animals and humans

Answer

Zoonoses are diseases or infections that can be transmitted from vertebrate animals to humans, posing occupational health risks in animal facilities.

Question 5

A technician notices that newly received mice have nasal discharge and sneezing. The best immediate action is to:

Accepted Answer

Quarantine the mice and notify the facility veterinarian

Answer

New animals showing respiratory signs must be quarantined and evaluated by a veterinarian before entering the main colony to prevent disease spread.

ALAT - Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician Practice Test

ALAT - Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician Practice Test

ALAT Animal Health and Welfare 3