AAT Zoonotic Disease Prevention 3

Question 1

A therapy dog program requires annual health screenings. Which test is specifically recommended to detect Giardia, a common zoonotic intestinal parasite in dogs?

Accepted Answer

Fecal antigen test or direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) assay

Answer

Giardia is best detected through fecal antigen tests or DFA assay, as standard fecal flotation may miss Giardia cysts.

Question 2

Ringworm (dermatophytosis) is a fungal zoonosis. Which AAT setting poses the greatest transmission risk to clients?

Accepted Answer

Outdoor equine-assisted therapy with adolescents

Answer

Equine-assisted therapy involves close, prolonged physical contact with horses, which can carry Trichophyton equinum, increasing ringworm transmission risk.

Question 3

What does the term 'fomite' mean in the context of zoonotic disease transmission during AAT?

Accepted Answer

An inanimate object that can harbor and transfer infectious agents

Answer

Fomites are inanimate objects such as leashes, harnesses, or furniture that can carry pathogens and facilitate indirect zoonotic transmission.

Question 4

Q fever (Coxiella burnetii) is most associated with which animals commonly used in farm animal-assisted therapy?

Accepted Answer

Goats, sheep, and cattle

Answer

Goats, sheep, and cattle are the primary reservoirs of Coxiella burnetii, particularly during parturition when high concentrations are shed in birth fluids.

Question 5

An AAT handler is selecting appropriate PPE for a session involving a therapy dog in a wound care unit. Which combination is MOST appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Gloves and a clean facility gown or smock, changed between patients

Answer

Gloves and a clean outer layer protect patients with open wounds from animal-associated pathogens and prevent cross-contamination between patients.

(AAT) Certified Animal-Assisted Therapy Practice Test

(AAT) Certified Animal-Assisted Therapy Practice Test

AAT Zoonotic Disease Prevention 3