In an outbreak affecting only wild animals, which statement is true?

• A. Wild animals cannot transmit foreign animal diseases to domestic animals
• B. Domestic animals are unaffected by foreign animal diseases in wild outbreaks
• C. Foreign animal diseases must be considered when an outbreak affects wild animals
• D. There is no need to monitor wild populations for foreign animal diseases

Answer: (C)

Wild populations can carry diseases that are foreign to a country or region and can transmit them to domestic animals through direct contact, shared habitats, or vectors. When an outbreak occurs in wild animals, it’s essential to consider foreign animal diseases as possible causes or threats because wildlife can serve as reservoirs or sources of spillover into domestic herds or flocks. Early recognition and surveillance in wildlife help prevent introduction or spread to domestic animals and support timely reporting and control actions. Therefore, foreign animal diseases must be considered in wild-animal outbreaks. The other statements imply no risk or no need for monitoring, which isn’t accurate given the potential for cross-species transmission and the importance of wildlife surveillance to protect domestic animal health.