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

Which animal compartment is most highly monitored for the early detection of transboundary diseases?

1. Domestic pets

2. Livestock

3. Wild animals

4. Marine animals

The correct answer is: Livestock

The livestock compartment is the most highly monitored for early detection of transboundary diseases primarily due to its significant economic impact and the role livestock play in food security and agricultural economies. Livestock, such as cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs, are not only vital for food production but also serve as sources of income and employment for millions of people worldwide. Because many transboundary diseases, such as foot-and-mouth disease and avian influenza, can spread rapidly among livestock populations, early detection and monitoring are crucial to prevent outbreaks that could have devastating effects on animal health, agricultural industries, and public health. Monitoring efforts involve surveillance systems that track disease occurrences and establish biosecurity measures to mitigate risks. Additionally, livestock are more likely to live in concentrated environments, facilitating the transmission of diseases, which necessitates closer scrutiny. Conversely, while domestic pets, wild animals, and marine animals are also monitored for disease, the urgency and scale of monitoring is less pronounced compared to that of livestock due to their different roles in zoonotic disease transmission and economic importance.