Transboundary Emerging and Exotic Animal Disease/ Exotic Animal Disease Practice Exam

In case of suspected FAD, what should a veterinarian prioritize?

1. Quarantine all animals immediately

2. Collect and submit laboratory samples

3. Consult with agricultural departments

4. Inform the public about the disease

The correct answer is: Collect and submit laboratory samples

Prioritizing the collection and submission of laboratory samples in cases of suspected foreign animal disease (FAD) is crucial for several reasons. Timely and accurate laboratory testing is essential for confirming the presence of a disease agent, which can lead to appropriate measures being implemented to control and mitigate the threat. Identifying the specific pathogen involved is key to understanding patterns of disease spread and developing targeted responses. Once laboratory results are obtained, veterinarians can better inform animal health authorities and implement necessary biosecurity measures, which may include quarantine or movement restrictions. Collecting samples must be done in accordance with established protocols to ensure that the integrity of the samples is maintained and that the subsequent testing is valid. In contrast, while quarantine of animals and consultation with agricultural departments are important steps that may follow the initial sampling, they would typically be implemented after the potential disease has been confirmed. Similarly, informing the public, while a vital aspect of disease control, occurs later in the process and typically once there is clear communication from health authorities about the situation. Thus, the immediate priority should be to gather and submit laboratory samples to facilitate a rapid response.