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

Which disease is known not to respond to antibiotic therapy?

1. Erysipelas

2. Actinobacillus pleuropneumonia

3. African swine fever

4. Glasser's disease

The correct answer is: African swine fever

African swine fever is a viral disease that specifically does not respond to antibiotic therapy because antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections, not viral infections. This disease affects domestic and wild pigs, causing high mortality rates, and is characterized by fever, hemorrhages, and other systemic signs. In contrast, the other diseases listed have bacterial etiology. Erysipelas is caused by the bacteria Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, Actinobacillus pleuropneumonia is associated with the bacteria Actinobacillus pleuropneumonia, and Glasser's disease results from the action of Haemophilus parasuis. These bacterial diseases can be treated with appropriate antibiotic therapies, highlighting the distinct nature of African swine fever as a viral condition that renders antibiotic treatment ineffective.