NACA Animal Control Officers Practice Test

Which of the following diseases is known to spread by ingestion?

1. Leptospirosis

2. Rabies

3. Heartworm disease

4. Canine distemper

The correct answer is: Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the Leptospira bacteria, which can indeed spread through ingestion. Animals, including dogs, can acquire the bacteria by consuming contaminated food or water, or through contact with contaminated soil or surfaces. Ingestion is a primary route of transmission for many wildlife and domestic animals that encounter feces or urine from infected animals. The other diseases mentioned do have specific transmission methods that do not primarily involve ingestion. Rabies is predominantly spread through bites and saliva, heartworm disease is transmitted via mosquito bites, and canine distemper is primarily spread through direct contact with infected bodily fluids or respiratory secretions. Therefore, leptospirosis stands out as the disease among the options listed that is specifically known to spread by ingestion.