Which combination of practices is recommended to prevent Seoul virus introduction into a rat colony?

Which combination of practices is recommended to prevent Seoul virus introduction into a rat colony?

• A. Maintain a closed rat colony
• B. Quarantine and test newly acquired rats
• C. All of the above
• D. Prevent mixing between pet and wild rats

Answer: (C)

Preventing Seoul virus introduction in a rat colony relies on layered biosecurity that stops entry and curbs spread. Keeping the colony closed reduces the risk of bringing in infected animals, since there’s no ongoing intake. Quarantining and testing new arrivals provides a window to detect infection before they join the main group, preventing an infected animal from seeding an outbreak. Preventing mixing with wild or pet rats removes a common source of virus introduction, as these rats can harbor Seoul virus and transmit it to housed colonies. When you combine these practices, you address multiple exposure pathways and substantially lower the risk, making this the recommended approach.

Preventing Seoul virus introduction in a rat colony relies on layered biosecurity that stops entry and curbs spread. Keeping the colony closed reduces the risk of bringing in infected animals, since there’s no ongoing intake. Quarantining and testing new arrivals provides a window to detect infection before they join the main group, preventing an infected animal from seeding an outbreak. Preventing mixing with wild or pet rats removes a common source of virus introduction, as these rats can harbor Seoul virus and transmit it to housed colonies. When you combine these practices, you address multiple exposure pathways and substantially lower the risk, making this the recommended approach.