Which statement about preventing Salmonella transmission in a reptile/amphibian facility is supported by biosecurity practices?

• A. Replacing water daily in all enclosures
• B. Quarantine and test incoming populations
• C. Sharing nets between enclosures without cleaning
• D. Keeping damp substrate in all enclosures

Answer: (B)

Preventing Salmonella transmission in a reptile/amphibian facility hinges on stopping new, potentially infected animals from entering the established population. Quarantine creates a protective barrier, isolating incoming animals so any problems don’t spread to others. Testing these quarantined animals helps reveal carriers that appear healthy but shed Salmonella, which is common in reptiles and amphibians. By identifying and managing or delaying integration of carriers, you reduce the chance that Salmonella is introduced and disseminated through shared equipment, people, or environmental contact.

The other actions don’t address introduction and detection as effectively: simply changing water or damp substrates doesn’t identify carrier animals and can even sustain environmental contamination, and sharing nets without cleaning can spread bacteria between enclosures.