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

Why is surveillance important in the control of exotic animal diseases?

1. It instills fear in animal owners.

2. It helps in early detection of outbreaks.

3. It ensures there are no controlled diseases.

4. It reduces the cost of animal feed.

The correct answer is: It helps in early detection of outbreaks.

Surveillance plays a crucial role in the control of exotic animal diseases, primarily because it facilitates early detection of outbreaks. By monitoring animal populations for signs of disease, public health officials and veterinarians can identify potential threats before they escalate into widespread problems. Early detection allows for timely interventions, such as quarantine measures, vaccination campaigns, and targeted treatments, which are vital for preventing the spread of disease both within animal populations and to humans. This proactive approach not only protects animal health but also safeguards public health and the economy from the impacts of exotic diseases that could lead to significant losses in livestock and biodiversity. In contrast, instilling fear in animal owners does not contribute positively to disease control; fostering cooperation and trust is more effective. Ensuring there are no controlled diseases is aspirational but unlikely without continuous monitoring, as diseases can re-emerge or be introduced. Reducing the cost of animal feed is unrelated to disease control and does not factor into the primary objectives of surveillance efforts.