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

What is the appropriate action if you suspect a herd of pigs has swine vesicular disease?

1. Depopulate the herd and burn the carcasses

2. Quarantine the herd and send samples to diagnostic laboratory

3. Send the herd to a commercial abattoir for processing

4. Keep careful records and monitor the herd

The correct answer is: Quarantine the herd and send samples to diagnostic laboratory

When a suspicion of swine vesicular disease arises within a herd of pigs, the most appropriate action is to quarantine the herd and send samples to a diagnostic laboratory. Swine vesicular disease is a highly contagious viral infection that can spread rapidly among pigs, and identifying an outbreak is critical for controlling the disease. Quarantining the herd prevents any further transmission to surrounding animals, which is essential to limit the spread of the disease. During this period, samples can be collected from affected animals and sent to a laboratory for diagnostic testing. This confirms whether the cause is indeed swine vesicular disease and helps in implementing the necessary disease management strategies. Timely and accurate diagnosis allows for informed decisions regarding disease control measures, vaccination strategies, and potential depopulation if the disease is confirmed. This approach is aligned with biosecurity protocols that aim to protect agricultural health on a broader scale, ensuring that the disease does not proliferate beyond the initial outbreak.