Massachusetts Wildlife Rehabilitator Practice Exam

Which zoonotic disease examples should wildlife rehabilitators be cautious of?

1. Rabies, anthrax, influenza

2. Lyme disease, tuberculosis, brucellosis

3. Malaria, yellow fever, foot and mouth disease

4. West Nile virus, equine encephalitis, canine distemper

The correct answer is: Lyme disease, tuberculosis, brucellosis

Wildlife rehabilitators should be particularly cautious of zoonotic diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans and that pose significant health risks. Lyme disease, which is commonly spread by ticks that wildlife can carry, is a notable concern for those working closely with animals. Tuberculosis, while often associated with cattle, can also be contracted from various wildlife species, highlighting the necessity of monitoring wildlife populations for this disease. Brucellosis, primarily transmitted through contact with infected livestock, can also be found in some wildlife species and poses a risk to humans who may come into contact with wildlife during rehabilitation efforts or research. This choice is particularly relevant because it encompasses diseases that are more commonly associated with wildlife encounters or exposure compared to the other options. The diseases listed in other choices, while they are indeed zoonotic, do not have the same level of concern for direct interaction in a wildlife rehabilitation context, or they are diseases that typically do not appear in wildlife or have less variably associated transmission. Understanding the specific zoonotic risks in the context of wildlife rehabilitation emphasizes the importance of safety precautions and health monitoring in this field.