extra qs

Question 1

Define the term ‘zoonosis’ and explain how it differs from infections shared through a common source.

Answer 1

A zoonosis is an infectious disease that can be transmitted directly or indirectly between animals and humans. Examples include rabies, salmonellosis, and toxoplasmosis. This differs from infections shared through a common source (e.g. waterborne cryptosporidiosis) where both species are infected from the same reservoir but not directly from each other.

Question 2

Critically appraise the ‘One Health’ concept and its implications for disease surveillance and control.

Answer 2

One Health is a collaborative, multi-sectoral, and transdisciplinary approach that recognises the interconnection between people, animals, plants, and their shared environment. It promotes integrated disease surveillance across veterinary, medical, and environmental fields, enhancing early detection of emerging zoonoses and ensuring more effective prevention and control strategies.

Question 3

Give examples of emerging zoonotic diseases and outline key factors driving their emergence.

Answer 3

Examples: SARS-CoV-2, avian influenza, Nipah virus, Ebola. Factors include:

• Human encroachment on wildlife habitats
• Increased global travel and trade
• Agricultural intensification
• Climate change affecting vector ecology
• Wildlife trade and consumption

Question 4

Discuss how human, animal, and environmental health interrelate in the context of ecosystem services.

Answer 4

Healthy ecosystems regulate disease, purify water, and support biodiversity, which reduces spillover risk. Disrupted ecosystems may lead to increased contact with wildlife reservoirs and vectors. One Health emphasises preserving ecosystem services as a form of preventive health.

Question 5

Explain the role of veterinarians in managing zoonotic risks from companion animals and exotic pets.

Answer 5

Vets provide:

• Education to owners on hygiene and pet care
• Surveillance and diagnosis of zoonotic infections
• Enforcement of travel and import regulations
• Reporting and managing outbreaks
• Risk assessments for immunocompromised owners

Question 6

Describe zoonotic risks from pet foods and outline best practices for minimising these risks in households.

Answer 6

Risks: Salmonella and Listeria in raw diets (BARF), Toxoplasma from undercooked meat. Control:

• Store and handle pet food hygienically
• Avoid raw feeding in households with young, elderly or immunocompromised members
• Clean feeding bowls regularly

Question 7

Outline the travel requirements for pets entering the UK and discuss the public health rationale for these regulations.

Answer 7

Requirements:

• Microchip
• Rabies vaccination
• Animal health certificate or EU passport
• Tapeworm treatment for dogs from certain countries
• Rationale: Prevent rabies and Echinococcus multilocularis introduction into UK.

Question 8

Describe the risks and control strategies for rabies, particularly in imported and exotic pets.

Answer 8

Rabies is a fatal viral zoonosis. Controls include:

• Import restrictions and quarantine for pets from high-risk countries
• Vaccination programmes
• Banning importation of wild/exotic mammals without strict health checks

Question 9

Discuss the importance of biosecurity and hygiene in preventing zoonotic transmission in domestic settings.

Answer 9

Important practices:

• Hand hygiene after handling pets or cleaning litter trays
• Safe waste disposal
• Flea and worm control
• Isolation of sick animals
• Vet advice on raw food risks