Veterinary Health: Notifiable and Zoonotic Diseases

These flashcards cover important vocabulary and definitions related to veterinary health and notifiable diseases, specifically focusing on zoonotic diseases and avian influenza.

Avian Influenza

A highly contagious disease affecting domestic and wild birds, characterized by high mortality rates in poultry.

Rhabdovirus

The virus that causes rabies, affects all mammals with high mortality once symptoms appear.

One Health Approach

A multidisciplinary approach to health that recognizes the interconnectedness of animal, human, and environmental health.

Control Measures

Strategies implemented to manage or eradicate disease outbreaks in animal populations.

Enzootic Disease

A disease that is consistently present in a specified region or population.

Epizootic Disease

A disease that occurs in a large number of animals in a specific region over a short period.

Pandemic (Panzootic)

An outbreak of disease that spreads across multiple countries or continents affecting many animal species.

Mortality

The incidence of death within a specific population.

Infected Hosts

Living organisms that harbor a pathogen, such as a virus or bacteria.

Transmission

The process of passing a disease-causing agent from one host to another.

Quarantine

A strict isolation imposed to prevent the spread of disease.

Biosecurity

Preventive measures designed to reduce the risk of transmission of infectious diseases.

Incubation Period

The time period between exposure to an infection and the appearance of symptoms.

Pathogenicity

The ability of a microorganism to cause disease.

Vaccination

An injection that stimulates the immune system to protect against specific diseases.

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)

A laboratory technique used to amplify DNA segments for detection of pathogens.

HPAI

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, a severe form of avian influenza that can cause high mortality in birds.

LPAI

Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza, a less severe form of the virus often present without clinical symptoms.

Diagnostic Procedures

Tests and examinations performed to determine the presence of a disease.

Epidemiology

The study of how diseases spread and can be controlled within populations.

Surveillance

Monitoring of disease spread and development in populations.

Vaccination Challenges

Difficulties encountered in implementing vaccination programs, particularly for zoonotic diseases.

Clinical Signs

Observable symptoms that indicate a disease in an animal.

Control Zones

Designated areas where measures are taken to control outbreaks of infectious diseases in animals.

Animal Health Agency

Government body responsible for overseeing animal health and disease management.

Neglected Diseases

Diseases that receive less funding and attention, often due to their impact on poorer regions.