ARC Zoonotic Disease Prevention & Control 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is a zoonotic disease?
- A disease that only affects zoo animals
- A disease that can be transmitted between animals and humans (Correct answer)
- A disease caused exclusively by parasites
- A disease that spreads only through contaminated water
Correct answer: A disease that can be transmitted between animals and humans
Zoonotic diseases are illnesses that can be transmitted between animals and humans through direct contact, bites, scratches, or environmental exposure.
Question 2: Which of the following diseases is most commonly transmitted to animal rescue workers through animal bites or scratches?
- Leptospirosis
- Rabies (Correct answer)
- Salmonellosis
- Toxoplasmosis
Correct answer: Rabies
Rabies is the primary concern with animal bites and scratches because it is nearly always fatal once symptoms appear, making immediate post-exposure response critical.
Question 3: What personal protective equipment (PPE) should animal rescue workers wear when handling an animal with suspected ringworm?
- N95 respirator only
- Disposable gloves and long sleeves (Correct answer)
- Full hazmat suit
- Safety glasses only
Correct answer: Disposable gloves and long sleeves
Ringworm is a fungal skin infection transmitted by direct contact, so disposable gloves and long sleeves protect exposed skin from contact with infected animals or their environment.
Question 4: How soon after a potential rabies exposure should a rescue worker seek medical attention?
- Within 24 hours (Correct answer)
- Within 72 hours
- Within one week
- Only if symptoms appear
Correct answer: Within 24 hours
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for rabies must be initiated as quickly as possible, ideally within 24 hours of exposure, as the virus travels to the brain and delaying treatment reduces effectiveness.
Question 5: Which of the following animals is most commonly associated with Salmonella transmission to rescue workers?
- Dogs
- Cats
- Reptiles and amphibians (Correct answer)
- Horses
Correct answer: Reptiles and amphibians
Reptiles and amphibians commonly carry Salmonella bacteria in their intestinal tracts without showing signs of illness, making them a significant zoonotic risk to handlers.
Question 6: What is the most effective single action a rescue worker can take to prevent zoonotic disease transmission after handling animals?
- Applying hand sanitizer
- Washing hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (Correct answer)
- Wearing gloves during animal contact
- Spraying clothing with disinfectant
Correct answer: Washing hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
Thorough handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds physically removes pathogens from the skin and is more effective than hand sanitizer against many zoonotic agents including Cryptosporidium.
Question 7: A rescue worker notices a stray dog with nasal discharge and is asked to transport it. Which precaution is MOST important to prevent zoonotic transmission?
- Avoid touching the dog entirely
- Wear gloves and wash hands thoroughly after handling (Correct answer)
- Immediately vaccinate the dog before transport
- Keep the dog outdoors at all times
Correct answer: Wear gloves and wash hands thoroughly after handling
Wearing gloves creates a barrier against pathogens in nasal secretions, and thorough handwashing afterward removes any residual contamination, which together are the most practical and effective protective measures.
ARC Zoonotic Disease Prevention & Control 1
What is a zoonotic disease?