Which practice would NOT help prevent disease spread in a laboratory animal colony?

Which practice would NOT help prevent disease spread in a laboratory animal colony?

• A. Limit non-staff visitation
• B. Rotate staff regularly
• C. Wear appropriate uniforms
• D. Wash hands frequently

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that preventing disease spread in a laboratory animal colony hinges on limiting how pathogens can move between animals, people, and spaces. Limiting non-staff visitation reduces the chance that an outside pathogen enters the facility. Wearing appropriate uniforms and washing hands frequently cut transmission via clothing and hands. Rotating staff regularly, however, would not help; it increases the number of people who handle animals and can blur accountability, making it easier for pathogens to spread between areas or colonies through different handlers. So, rotating staff is the practice that would NOT help prevent disease spread.

The key idea is that preventing disease spread in a laboratory animal colony hinges on limiting how pathogens can move between animals, people, and spaces. Limiting non-staff visitation reduces the chance that an outside pathogen enters the facility. Wearing appropriate uniforms and washing hands frequently cut transmission via clothing and hands. Rotating staff regularly, however, would not help; it increases the number of people who handle animals and can blur accountability, making it easier for pathogens to spread between areas or colonies through different handlers. So, rotating staff is the practice that would NOT help prevent disease spread.