Which statement best reflects housing considerations for northern flying squirrels?

• A. They should be housed together at all times
• B. Be aware of possible contamination between animals
• C. They should be kept in isolation from others
• D. They should be fed different diets to avoid cross-contamination

Answer: (B)

Biosecurity and preventing disease spread between animals is the key idea here. In housing northern flying squirrels, you want to minimize the chance that pathogens or parasites move from one animal to another. Pathogens can be shed by seemingly healthy individuals, so quarantine new arrivals, keep animals in separate enclosures or clearly separated spaces as needed, and use dedicated equipment for each animal. Clean and disinfect cages, bowls, and hands between animals to stop cross-contamination. This approach protects the entire group and is more practical and safer than keeping everyone together at all times or insisting on isolation for every animal. The dietary idea doesn’t address disease transfer, so it isn’t the appropriate focus.