What is the term for animals used in the health surveillance of rodent colonies?

What is the term for animals used in the health surveillance of rodent colonies?

• A. Standards
• B. Sentinels
• C. Controls
• D. Samples

Answer: (B)

Sentinel animals are used to monitor the health status of a rodent colony, providing an early warning for infectious agents. These animals are exposed to the same environment and potential pathogens as the colony—often through sharing bedding or housing—so that any pathogens present are detected in the sentinels. They are tested regularly (serology, PCR, culture) to screen for infections, and a positive result prompts investigation and containment to protect the rest of the colony. This approach allows health surveillance without testing every animal. Standards refer to guidelines, controls are used to ensure experiments run correctly, and samples are specimens collected for analysis, so they do not describe the monitoring animals themselves.

Sentinel animals are used to monitor the health status of a rodent colony, providing an early warning for infectious agents. These animals are exposed to the same environment and potential pathogens as the colony—often through sharing bedding or housing—so that any pathogens present are detected in the sentinels. They are tested regularly (serology, PCR, culture) to screen for infections, and a positive result prompts investigation and containment to protect the rest of the colony. This approach allows health surveillance without testing every animal. Standards refer to guidelines, controls are used to ensure experiments run correctly, and samples are specimens collected for analysis, so they do not describe the monitoring animals themselves.