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

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

Answer: (B)

Sentinel animals are used in health surveillance of rodent colonies. They act as an early warning system for detecting infectious agents within the colony. Typically, sentinels are placed in contact with the colony environment—such as sharing cages or receiving soiled bedding—to pick up pathogens that may be present. Periodic testing of sentinel animals (via serology, necropsy, culture, or PCR) provides a signal that pathogens may be circulating, enabling timely actions to protect the rest of the colony and maintain health status. The other terms refer to standards, experimental controls, or samples, which are not the animals designated to monitor colony health.