What are the two broad categories of disasters in laboratory animal care?

The correct choice identifies the two broad categories of disasters that can impact laboratory animal care as natural disasters and facility-specific technical emergencies. This distinction is important because it helps organizations prepare for and respond to distinct types of incidents that could compromise animal welfare and research integrity.

Natural disasters encompass events such as earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, and severe storms, which can cause significant physical damage to facilities, disrupt operations, and endanger the health and safety of both personnel and animals.

Facility-specific technical emergencies refer to situations arising from within the facility that can lead to crises. This includes equipment malfunctions, power outages, or accidental spills of hazardous materials, which can affect the environment and care of the animals housed there. Understanding these categories allows for the development of specific protocols and disaster response plans to ensure the safety and well-being of laboratory animals.

The other options do not adequately capture the comprehensive scope of disasters relevant to laboratory animal care. For example, while human-made disasters and technological failures are relevant, they do not encompass the full range of natural phenomena or specific technical emergencies that can occur within a facility. Therefore, recognizing the separation between natural disasters and facility-specific emergencies is essential for effective disaster preparedness and response in laboratory animal care settings.