species – n. a set of plants or animals in which the members have similar characteristics to each other

outbreak – n. the sudden appearance of a contagious illness

sample – n. a small amount of a substance collected by a scientist or doctor

veterinarian – n. someone whose job is to give medical care to animals that are sick or hurt

mutate – v. biology : to cause (a gene) to change and create an unusual characteristic in a plant or animal

pandemic – n. the spread of an infectious disease over a large area in a short period of time

vigilant – adj. watching something carefully and always being ready to notice anything unusual or dangerous

surveillance – n. the activity of watching people carefully, often secretly, especially by an army or police force