Which term describes procedures and measures designed to protect a population from harmful biological agents within an animal facility?

• A. Quarantine
• B. Sanitation
• C. Biosecurity
• D. Biocontainment

Answer: (C)

Biosecurity is the set of procedures and measures aimed at protecting a population from harmful biological agents by preventing their introduction and limiting their spread within an animal facility. It covers controls on who and what can enter, quarantine of new animals, proper sanitation of spaces and equipment, vehicle and personnel decontamination, and careful handling of supplies. These practices create a protective barrier around the animals, reducing the risk that pathogens will reach or move between groups. Biocontainment, by contrast, focuses on containing any agents inside the facility to prevent release to the outside environment; quarantine and sanitation are components or tools used within broader biosecurity efforts. In this context, the emphasis is on preventing disease from entering and spreading among the population, which is why biosecurity is the best fit.