Veterinary Technician Practice Exam

Which type of zoonotic disease is most commonly transmitted through direct contact with infected wildlife?

1. Airborne diseases

2. Vector-borne diseases

3. Fungal infections

4. Parasitic infections

The correct answer is: Parasitic infections

The transmission of zoonotic diseases through direct contact with infected wildlife primarily occurs in parasitic infections. Many parasites can be transmitted from animals to humans through direct interaction, such as handling or being in close proximity to wildlife. For instance, certain parasitic infestations, like those caused by mites or worms, can easily spread when a person comes into contact with an infected host or its environment. In contrast, airborne diseases are typically spread through respiratory droplets, while vector-borne diseases rely on an intermediary organism, like insects or ticks, to transfer the pathogen. Fungal infections may indeed be found in wildlife, but they often involve environmental exposure rather than direct contact with the infected animal. Thus, the nature of parasitic infections makes them the most likely candidates for transmission via direct contact with wildlife.