Questions and Answers
Which of the following are symptoms that may indicate a problem?
What type of examination is performed for diagnosing the condition?
Physical exam and microscopic examination of skin scrapings
What treatments are recommended for infected rats?
Infected rats should be kept with other rats to prevent the spread of infection.
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To prevent spreading ringworm infection, maintain good hygiene of your rat's ______.
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What is the main aim of learning about infectious agents that may infect rats?
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Which of the following measures helps prevent disease within a colony of laboratory rodents? (Select all that apply)
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The ideal temperature range for laboratory rats should be maintained between ___°F and ___°F.
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Quarantine is required for all rodents coming from commercial sources.
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What is Murine Respiratory Mycoplasmosis (MRM)?
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Which of the following symptoms can indicate Murine Respiratory Mycoplasmosis? (Select all that apply)
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What type of tumor is Keratoacanthoma (KA)?
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Keratoacanthomas are usually malignant.
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What are the primary clinical signs of Streptococcus pneumoniae infection in rats?
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How is Corynebacterium kutscheri primarily transmitted?
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Which fungus is primarily responsible for ringworm in rats?
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Study Notes
Learning Objectives
- Acquire foundational knowledge about infectious agents affecting laboratory rats.
- Understand quick and effective disease outbreak response strategies within colonies.
Laboratory Rat
- Used extensively as an animal model in studies related to nutrition, behavior, toxicity, and cancer.
- Any impairment in normal body functioning may indicate the presence of disease.
General Preventive and Control Measures
- Source procurement should prioritize high-quality, disease-free laboratory rodents.
- Utilize filtered shipping containers during transport to mitigate infectious agent introduction.
- Implement physical and procedural barriers in facilities to further prevent contagion.
Caging Systems
- Use static microisolation cages or advanced individually ventilated systems to minimize cage-to-cage disease transmission.
Environmental Controls
- Maintain temperature between 68°–79°F (20°–26°C) and relative humidity between 30%–70%.
- Ensure ventilation provides 10–15 fresh air changes per hour.
- Provide sterilized diets and water (autoclaved, irradiated, or sterile).
Sanitation
- Heat equipment to 180°F (82.2°C) or use chemical disinfection to eliminate pathogenic bacteria and viruses.
- Proper disposal of bedding materials through incineration is essential.
Quarantine Procedures
- New arrivals from non-commercial sources must undergo an 8-week quarantine to monitor for diseases.
Rat Diseases Overview
- Common disease categories include:
- Bacterial and Mycoplasmas
- Fungal/Mycotic
- Viral
- Parasitic
- Neoplasia
- Miscellaneous conditions
Murine Respiratory Mycoplasmosis (MRM)
- Caused by Mycoplasma pulmonis, leading to chronic respiratory issues in rats, also affecting wild populations.
Symptoms
- Can be asymptomatic, particularly in younger rats.
- Respiratory difficulties, ocular/nasal discharge, head tilt, and severe weight loss may occur with symptomatic cases.
Transmission
- Highly contagious via direct contact, shared bedding/food, and vertical transmission from mother to offspring.
Risk Factors
- Older age, stress, poor environmental conditions, and concurrent infections heighten susceptibility.
Diagnosis
- Challenging due to variable symptoms; methods include physical exams, microscopy, PCR testing, and radiography.
Treatment
- No cure exists, but antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications can manage symptoms.
Prevention
- Only procure from reputable breeders; quarantine new rats; maintain cleanliness and minimize stress in the environment.
Neoplasia
- Tumors, including Keratoacanthoma (KA), are common in rats and require prompt identification and treatment.
Keratoacanthoma (KA)
- A benign epidermal growth resembling squamous cell cancer; factors influencing development include immunocompromised status, trauma, and genetics.
Diagnosis and Treatment
- Diagnosis via biopsy; treatment may involve surgical removal, although spontaneous resolution is common.
Streptococcus pneumoniae
- Main host is humans; severe outbreaks reported in rats; primarily spreads by aerosol.
Clinical Signs
- General signs include hunched posture and nasal discharge. Necropsy may reveal lung consolidation.
Diagnosis
- Culture techniques reliable; PCR assays available.
Treatment and Control
- Implement strict bioexclusion protocols; disinfect environments and utilize antimicrobials only for symptomatic relief.
Corynebacterium kutscheri
- Rare in laboratory colonies; likely transmitted via fecal-oral routes.
Dermatophytosis (Ringworm)
- Caused primarily by Trichophyton mentragrophytes; transmission occurs through direct contact or contaminated environments.
Clinical Signs
- Generally asymptomatic; may exhibit skin lesions ranging from mild to severe.
Diagnosis and Treatment
- Diagnosis involves a physical exam and microscopic skin scrapings; treatment includes antifungal medications and hygiene measures to prevent spread.
Summary
- Maintaining a clean and controlled environment is critical for preventing disease outbreaks in laboratory rat colonies. Regular monitoring, proper quarantine procedures, and prompt attention to illness significantly contribute to the health and welfare of these animals.
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Description
This quiz focuses on the variety of infectious agents that can affect laboratory rats and the importance of understanding these diseases for effective control and research applications. It covers topics such as nutrition, behavior, and toxicology in relation to rat health. Knowledge of these aspects is essential for appropriate responses to disease outbreaks in rat colonies.
