AAT Zoonotic Disease Prevention 5

Question 1

Which ectoparasite carried by therapy animals poses the greatest direct zoonotic risk of transmitting Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi) to clients in endemic U.S. regions?

Accepted Answer

Deer ticks (Ixodes scapularis)

Answer

Ixodes scapularis (black-legged or deer tick) is the primary vector for Borrelia burgdorferi in the eastern U.S. and can transfer from animal fur to human skin during contact.

Question 2

A therapy animal program operates in a region with documented plague (Yersinia pestis) activity in wildlife. Which AAT animal type carries the highest risk of flea-mediated plague transmission?

Accepted Answer

Domestic cats allowed to roam outdoors before visits

Answer

Cats that roam outdoors can hunt infected rodents and bring plague-infected fleas into contact with humans, making them the highest-risk animal in plague-endemic regions.

Question 3

Psittacosis (Chlamydia psittaci) is a zoonotic concern when birds are used in AAT. Through which route is it primarily transmitted to humans?

Accepted Answer

Inhalation of dried fecal matter or respiratory secretions

Answer

Psittacosis is transmitted through inhalation of aerosolized dried droppings or nasal secretions from infected psittacine birds.

Question 4

An AAT coordinator is evaluating whether to allow a recently adopted stray dog to join the therapy program after a 6-month training period. What zoonotic screening step is MOST critical before the dog's first visit?

Accepted Answer

A comprehensive veterinary wellness exam with fecal parasite testing and updated vaccinations

Answer

Stray dogs have unknown exposure histories and may harbor multiple zoonotic pathogens, making thorough veterinary screening with fecal testing and vaccinations essential before any patient contact.

Question 5

When an AAT handler sanitizes equipment such as a therapy dog's harness and leash between visits to different patient populations, which agent is recommended for killing most bacterial pathogens on non-porous surfaces?

Accepted Answer

Diluted bleach solution (1:10 ratio) or EPA-registered disinfectant

Answer

EPA-registered disinfectants or a 1:10 bleach solution are proven to eliminate most bacterial pathogens on non-porous surfaces like metal and plastic fittings.

(AAT) Certified Animal-Assisted Therapy Practice Test

(AAT) Certified Animal-Assisted Therapy Practice Test

AAT Zoonotic Disease Prevention 5