ICVA Zoonotic Diseases Public Health 3

Question 1

Under the National Notifiable Animal Diseases list, which zoonotic disease requires veterinarians to report within 24 hours in most US states?

Accepted Answer

Rabies

Answer

Rabies is an immediately notifiable disease requiring 24-hour reporting in virtually all US jurisdictions due to its near-100% case fatality rate and public health implications.

Question 2

A food inspector detects Escherichia coli O157:H7 in a ground beef sample. Which virulence factor makes this strain particularly dangerous to public health?

Accepted Answer

Shiga toxin production causing hemolytic uremic syndrome

Answer

E. coli O157:H7 produces Shiga toxins (Stx1 and Stx2) that can cause hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a life-threatening complication especially in children.

Question 3

Veterinarians performing necropsies on wildlife should take precautions against which zoonosis transmitted through contact with infected tissues, particularly in lagomorphs and rabbits?

Accepted Answer

Tularemia (Francisella tularensis)

Answer

Francisella tularensis can penetrate intact skin and mucous membranes during necropsy of infected rabbits or other lagomorphs, making gloves and eye protection essential.

Question 4

Which principle guides the decision to use post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) after a potential rabies exposure from a domestic dog?

Accepted Answer

Observe the dog for 10 days; PEP is unnecessary if the animal remains healthy

Answer

A healthy dog that bit someone can be observed for 10 days; if it remains healthy, the animal was not shedding rabies virus at the time of the bite, and PEP is not needed.

Question 5

Psittacosis (parrot fever) is caused by which obligate intracellular organism and is reportable in most US states?

Accepted Answer

Chlamydia psittaci

Answer

Chlamydia psittaci infects psittacine birds and can cause severe pneumonia in humans who inhale aerosolized bird droppings or respiratory secretions.

(ICVA) International Council for Veterinary Assessment Practice Test

(ICVA) International Council for Veterinary Assessment Practice Test

ICVA Zoonotic Diseases Public Health 3