DVM Zoonotic Diseases and Public Health 5

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the epidemiological concept of 'spillback' in the context of zoonotic diseases?

Accepted Answer

When a human-adapted pathogen is transmitted back to a wild animal reservoir

Answer

Spillback describes reverse transmission where a pathogen that originated in animals (or adapted in humans) is transmitted back into a wildlife or domestic animal reservoir.

Question 2

Leptospirosis transmission to veterinary staff most commonly occurs through which route?

Accepted Answer

Contact of mucous membranes or abraded skin with urine of infected animals

Answer

Leptospires penetrate through mucous membranes or skin abrasions upon contact with urine or urine-contaminated fluids, making urogenital procedures and urine handling highest risk.

Question 3

Monkey B virus (Macacine herpesvirus 1) is an occupational hazard for which group, and what is the case fatality rate in untreated human infections?

Accepted Answer

Macaque handlers and laboratory workers; approximately 70-80% fatality rate

Answer

B virus causes encephalomyelitis in humans with a 70-80% fatality rate if untreated; macaque handlers and laboratory workers are at primary risk through bites, scratches, or mucosal splash.

Question 4

A veterinarian performing a necropsy on a cow that died acutely without premonitory signs in an anthrax-endemic region should FIRST:

Accepted Answer

Examine a blood smear from a peripheral vessel BEFORE opening the carcass

Answer

In suspected anthrax, opening the carcass is contraindicated as it exposes spores to oxygen and promotes sporulation; a peripheral blood smear should be examined first to confirm Bacillus anthracis.

Question 5

Which zoonotic pathogen is the most common cause of bacterial foodborne illness in the United States, with poultry being the primary reservoir?

Accepted Answer

Campylobacter jejuni

Answer

Campylobacter jejuni is the most frequently identified bacterial cause of foodborne diarrheal illness in the US, with poultry serving as the primary reservoir and undercooked chicken as the primary vehicle.

DVM - Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Practice Test

DVM - Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Practice Test

DVM Zoonotic Diseases and Public Health 5