Disease transmission in animals Flashcards
How are pathogens transferred directly?
kissing or any contact with bodily fluids
skin-skin - e.g. ring worm
microorganisms from faeces transmitted on the hands
How are pathogens inoculated?
through a break in the skin
animal bite
sharing needles
ingesting contaminated food or transferring pathogen to the mouth from hands
What are fomites?
inanimate objects such as bedding, socks or cosmetics can transfer pathogens
e.g. athletes foot
What is droplet infection?
minute droplets of saliva and mucus are expelled from the mouth as you talk, cough or sneeze
if these droplets contain pathogen, a person may inhale them and become infected
What are vectors?
a vector transmits pathogen from one host to another
not always animals
water can also act as a vector
What factors increase the probability of transmission?
overcrowding
poor nutrition
taking immunsupressant drugs / HIV
poor disposal of waste
lack of trained health workers of public warning
How does climate change increase the risk of transmission?>
introducing new vectors and diseases
e.g. mosquitos are able to survive over a larger area
