Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

What type of health surveillance is regularly conducted on both animals and staff in facilities housing non-human primates?

1. Influenza

2. Lyme disease

3. Tuberculosis

4. Rabies

The correct answer is: Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is a critical concern in facilities housing non-human primates because of both the zoonotic potential of the disease and its implications for both animal and human health. Regular health surveillance for tuberculosis helps to ensure the safety of the animals, the personnel working with them, and the integrity of the research conducted in these environments. Non-human primates can be affected by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which can be transmitted from primates to humans and vice versa. The close contact between staff and these animals necessitates regular screening and monitoring to detect and manage any potential outbreaks effectively. Keeping both animals and staff under surveillance helps to prevent the spread of the disease and safeguards public health. While other diseases listed may also be relevant in specific contexts, they do not carry the same level of universal surveillance requirement in facilities housing non-human primates as tuberculosis does. Tuberculosis is particularly prioritized due to its high impact on both animal welfare and human health, making it the focus of regular health monitoring in these settings.