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

What should be done if animals in the zoo show signs of illness?

1. Inform the visitors that the zoo is closed due to illness

2. Let the school group in but restrict access to unaffected areas

3. Nothing, as the disease is unlikely to spread

4. Quarantine the visitors until further notice

The correct answer is: Inform the visitors that the zoo is closed due to illness

Informing visitors that the zoo is closed due to illness is a prudent measure in response to animals showing signs of sickness. This action prioritizes public safety by preventing potential exposure to any diseases that might be transmissible from animals to humans or to other animals. It is crucial in managing the risk associated with zoo environments where humans and animals interact closely. In such scenarios, transparency with the public allows for better management and understanding of the situation, and closing the zoo can help contain any potential outbreaks and provide time for veterinary care and monitoring of the affected animals. Closing the zoo also minimizes the stress on the animals during a critical time when they need to be assessed and treated by veterinary professionals. The other choices suggest actions that either pose a risk to public health, fail to adequately address the situation, or may complicate the management of the zoo's health crisis. For instance, allowing visitors in while restricting access to unaffected areas does not fully mitigate the risk of disease spread. Likewise, assuming that the disease is unlikely to spread can be a dangerous oversight, particularly when dealing with emerging or exotic animal diseases. Quarantining visitors could cause unnecessary panic and logistical complications without the proper assessment of the situation by health authorities.