Sanitation & Disease Prevention Flashcards

Which pathogen type is most commonly transmitted by cockroaches through mechanical contamination of food surfaces?

Answer: Bacteria and protozoa

Cockroaches mechanically transmit bacteria (e.g., Salmonella) and protozoa by picking them up on their bodies and depositing them on food surfaces.

In a commercial kitchen, which sanitation practice most directly reduces harborage sites for German cockroaches?

Answer: Sealing cracks and crevices with caulk

Sealing cracks and crevices eliminates the tight, dark spaces German cockroaches prefer for harborage and reproduction.

Leptospirosis is a disease of public health concern primarily associated with which pest?

Answer: Rats and mice

Leptospirosis is caused by Leptospira bacteria shed in rodent urine, which can contaminate water and soil.

A food processing facility finds stored product insects in grain. Which sanitation step should be performed FIRST before applying any pesticide?

Answer: Remove and discard all infested product

Removing and discarding infested material eliminates the pest food source and breeding site, which is the essential first sanitation step.

Which vector control method is considered a sanitation-based approach to reducing mosquito populations?

Answer: Draining or eliminating standing water

Eliminating standing water removes mosquito larval breeding habitat, which is a primary sanitation-based prevention strategy.

The 'exclusion' component of an IPM program for rodents is best described as:

Answer: Sealing entry points to prevent rodent access

Exclusion involves physically sealing gaps, holes, and other entry points to prevent rodents from entering a structure.

Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) is primarily transmitted to humans by:

Answer: Inhaling dust contaminated with deer mouse urine, feces, or saliva

HPS transmission most commonly occurs when humans inhale aerosolized particles from dried deer mouse excreta or nesting materials.