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

True or False: The term exotic animal disease (EAD) includes diseases of exotic animals such as reptiles, birds, and unusual rodents.

1. True.

2. False.

3. Only includes reptiles and rodents.

4. Only includes birds and mammals.

The correct answer is: False.

The term exotic animal disease (EAD) specifically refers to diseases that affect non-native animal species within a given geographical area. This can include a wide range of animals, typically those not found in the local environment. Therefore, the definition of EAD does encompass diseases affecting exotic animals like reptiles, birds, and various unusual rodents. Given this broader context, the assertion that EAD does not include diseases of these groups is inaccurate. In discussing why the other options are less accurate, while C and D attempt to narrow the scope by excluding certain groups, EAD inherently includes a diverse spectrum of species. Thus, stating that EAD includes diseases of exotic animals such as reptiles, birds, and unusual rodents aligns with the recognized understanding of the term. This illustrates that the breadth of what constitutes an exotic animal disease is greater than simply classifying it to specific types or limiting it to familiar groups.