Which of the following is NOT a recommended biosecurity practice in a reptile/amphibian store to control infection and transmission?

• A. Avoid transfer of animals, moist or wet substrates, cage furniture, or water between enclosures
• B. Disinfect nets, tools, and equipment between uses
• C. Quarantine and test incoming populations
• D. Reuse nets between enclosures without cleaning

Answer: (D)

The key idea is preventing infection and transmission by stopping cross-contamination through shared equipment and animals. Nets, tools, and other gear can act as fomites that carry pathogens from one enclosure to another, so reusing nets between enclosures without cleaning provides a direct route for disease spread. That’s why this practice is not recommended. In contrast, keeping animals and their materials separate, disinfecting nets, tools, and equipment between uses, and quarantining and testing new arrivals all reduce the chance that pathogens move into clean populations. Practically, use dedicated equipment for each enclosure or clean and disinfect between uses, and isolate new animals for a quarantine period with appropriate testing to catch infections before they mingle with established populations.