Transboundary Emerging and Exotic Animal Disease/ Exotic Animal Disease Practice Exam

Classical swine fever can spread through which method?

1. Direct transmission

2. Vector-borne transmission

3. Transmission on fomites

4. Iatrogenic transmission

The correct answer is: Transmission on fomites

Classical swine fever primarily spreads through transmission on fomites, making it an important consideration in disease control efforts. Fomites are inanimate objects that can carry infectious agents, such as equipment, clothing, and vehicles that come into contact with infected animals or their secretions. When these contaminated items are subsequently used or come into proximity with healthy animals, the pathogens can be transferred, leading to new infections. This mode of transmission highlights the significance of biosecurity measures, including thorough cleaning and disinfection protocols, to prevent the spread of the disease across farms and regions. Direct transmission typically involves direct contact between infected and susceptible animals, but this answer does not focus on the broader environmental aspect that fomites represent. Vector-borne transmission involves living organisms, such as insects, transmitting disease agents, which does not apply in the case of classical swine fever. Iatrogenic transmission refers to disease spread due to medical intervention, such as vaccines or procedures, which is also not the primary concern for this particular viral infection. Thus, the focus on fomites accurately captures a critical pathway through which classical swine fever can be disseminated.