NACA Animal Control Officers Practice Test

Which disease can be transmitted through contact with an infected animal?

1. Rabies

2. Heartworm

3. Flea infestation

4. Obesity

The correct answer is: Rabies

Rabies is a viral disease that can be transmitted through contact with an infected animal, particularly through bites or scratches. The rabies virus is present in the saliva of infected animals and can enter the bloodstream through open wounds or mucous membranes, leading to infection in humans and other animals. Understanding this transmission method is crucial, especially for animal control professionals, as they may have to handle or manage animals that could potentially be rabid. In contrast, heartworm is primarily transmitted through mosquito bites, as it is a parasitic condition passed from one host to another via vectors, rather than direct contact with an infected animal. Flea infestations involve parasites that can spread through environmental factors or contact rather than through direct transfer from an infected animal to a human. Obesity, on the other hand, is a health condition influenced by dietary and lifestyle factors, and it does not spread from one animal to another or to humans in the same manner as rabies. Understanding these distinctions is vital for recognizing the risks associated with various animal-related diseases.