Why might some animals need to be quarantined during rehabilitation?

Quarantining animals during rehabilitation is essential primarily to prevent the spread of diseases to healthy animals. Many wildlife species can carry pathogens that are asymptomatic or not immediately apparent, posing a risk to other animals in care. By isolating newly admitted animals, rehabilitators can monitor for signs of illness and implement any necessary treatments before these animals come into contact with others. This practice not only protects the health of the rehabilitation facility's existing population but also safeguards broader wildlife health, as diseases can potentially spread back into wild populations if not contained.

Acclimating animals to human presence is important in rehabilitation, but it typically takes place after quarantine measures have been established. Similarly, while having enough space for animals is crucial for their well-being, this is not the primary reason for quarantining. Promoting faster healing through isolation is not a common rationale for quarantine, as rehabilitation settings usually aim to provide optimal conditions for healing, which often includes socialization and interaction, provided the animals are healthy. Thus, the primary focus of a quarantine is disease prevention.