Which statement about wildlife susceptibility is correct?

• A. Wildlife are susceptible to Hemorrhagic Septicemia only
• B. Wildlife are susceptible to Malignant Catarrhal Fever only
• C. Wildlife are susceptible to Foot and Mouth Disease only
• D. Wildlife are susceptible to all listed diseases

Answer: (D)

Wildlife can be susceptible to multiple diseases, not just one. Hemorrhagic septicemia affects several wild ruminants in addition to domestic livestock, so wildlife can contract this bacterial disease. Malignant catarrhal fever is a viral disease with reservoir hosts among wild ruminants, and it can cause severe illness in other wild and domestic species as well. Foot-and-mouth disease has a broad host range and can infect various wildlife ungulates, not only domestic animals. Because wildlife can be affected by all of these diseases, the statement that wildlife are susceptible to all listed diseases is the best choice.