JFHMS Quality Assurance Practice Exam

The appropriate body condition score threshold for animals that should not be transported is less than 2. A body condition score of 1 indicates that the animal is emaciated and experiencing severe malnutrition or dehydration, which can significantly compromise its well-being during transport. Animals in this condition are at an elevated risk of stress, injury, or even death due to the physical strain of transportation. Scores below 2 are specifically a concern because they reflect an inadequate amount of body fat and muscle mass, which can impair the animal's ability to cope with the stresses of transport. Scores of 3 and higher generally indicate that the animal is in acceptable health for movement, possessing enough body reserves to maintain its physiological functions and manage stress associated with transportation. This understanding of body condition scoring is critical for ensuring animal welfare standards are upheld, particularly in regulated transport conditions.