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

Which of the following diseases in poultry is classified as reportable and a foreign animal disease?

1. Fowl cholera and virulent Newcastle disease

2. Marek's disease and highly pathogenic avian influenza

3. Newcastle disease and highly pathogenic avian influenza

4. Infectious laryngotracheitis and Marek's disease

The correct answer is: Newcastle disease and highly pathogenic avian influenza

The classification of poultry diseases as reportable and foreign animal diseases is critical for controlling outbreaks and protecting livestock health. In this context, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and Newcastle disease are both recognized as significant threats to poultry industries worldwide, leading to severe economic consequences and public health concerns. Highly pathogenic avian influenza is a reportable disease because it can rapidly spread among bird populations and has zoonotic potential, meaning it can be transmitted to humans, posing a risk to public health. Similarly, Newcastle disease, particularly the virulent strains, is classified as a foreign animal disease because it can cause high mortality rates in unvaccinated birds and disrupt international trade in poultry products. In contrast, certain diseases in the other options, such as Marek's disease and infectious laryngotracheitis, are not classified as foreign animal diseases. While Marek's disease is significant in poultry, it is endemic in many regions and does not require reporting to authorities in the same manner as the highly pathogenic strains of avian influenza and Newcastle disease. Thus, the identification of Newcastle disease and highly pathogenic avian influenza as reportable and foreign animal diseases is consistent with their severe impact on animal health and the importance of monitoring and controlling their spread to safeguard both