What is the most effective way to eliminate mouse parvovirus from a colony?

What is the most effective way to eliminate mouse parvovirus from a colony?

• A. Complete culling of infected mice
• B. Embryo rederivation
• C. Quarantine and observation
• D. Vaccination

Answer: (B)

Embryo rederivation is the most effective way to eliminate mouse parvovirus from a colony because it allows for the production of a new, pathogen-free colony. This process involves collecting embryos from the infected mice and implanting them into a surrogate, virus-free foster mother. Since the embryos themselves are not infected with mouse parvovirus and the foster mother is free of pathogens, this method can successfully break the transmission cycle and establish a breeding colony that is free of the virus. This approach is particularly advantageous because it not only eradicates the pathogen but also preserves desired genetic lines that may have been established in the original colony. Other methods, such as complete culling of infected mice, do not guarantee long-term elimination of the virus, as it does not address potential infection in non-symptomatic carriers, and it may lead to loss of valuable genetic material. Quarantine and observation can help manage outbreaks but may not prevent transmission or completely eliminate the virus in an established colony. Vaccination is generally not a viable solution for mouse parvovirus, as there are currently no effective vaccines available for this specific virus in laboratory mice.

Embryo rederivation is the most effective way to eliminate mouse parvovirus from a colony because it allows for the production of a new, pathogen-free colony. This process involves collecting embryos from the infected mice and implanting them into a surrogate, virus-free foster mother. Since the embryos themselves are not infected with mouse parvovirus and the foster mother is free of pathogens, this method can successfully break the transmission cycle and establish a breeding colony that is free of the virus.

This approach is particularly advantageous because it not only eradicates the pathogen but also preserves desired genetic lines that may have been established in the original colony. Other methods, such as complete culling of infected mice, do not guarantee long-term elimination of the virus, as it does not address potential infection in non-symptomatic carriers, and it may lead to loss of valuable genetic material. Quarantine and observation can help manage outbreaks but may not prevent transmission or completely eliminate the virus in an established colony. Vaccination is generally not a viable solution for mouse parvovirus, as there are currently no effective vaccines available for this specific virus in laboratory mice.