What is a key reason for quarantining newly acquired mice before integration?

• A. To prevent introduction of pathogens while ensuring health is assessed prior to integration.
• B. To acclimate them to light cycles.
• C. To increase breeding speed.
• D. To save on feed costs.

Answer: (A)

Quarantine acts as a biosecurity buffer by isolating newcomers until their health is confirmed. This period lets staff screen for infectious agents, parasites, and other health issues and verify vaccination or prior exposure before the mice join the established colony. Housing them separately also stops any potential pathogens from spreading during the window of concern and provides time to document baseline health and acclimate the animals in a controlled way. The goal is to prevent introducing disease and ensure health prior to integration, rather than focusing on lighting acclimation, speeding breeding, or cutting feed costs.