Companion Animals as Sentinel

Question 1

Be able to define the role of companion animals as sentinels for public health and their characteristics.

Answer 1

An animal susceptible or sensitive to
a particular environmental factor (e.g., toxin, pathogen, radiation) whose illness or death serves to warn humans of an impending danger

characteristics
* susceptible to disease
* must generate a measurable clinical disease response
* should pose little risk of zoonotic transmission

Question 2

Describe examples where companion animals can serve as sentinels for both animals and human health

Answer 2

• bioavailability of contaminants, clinical effects of exposure, food contamination, infectious disease, lead poisoning, industrial chemicals
• effective sentinels - share common environment with their owners

Question 3

what is bioterrorism?

Answer 3

• Bioterrorism: the deliberate release of viruses, bacteria, or other
  agents used to cause illness or death in people, animals, or plants
• Animal-sentinel surveillance: early detection warning system
  for terrorist attacks