NACA Animal Control Officers Practice Test

Which disease is spread via aerosol transmission?

1. Kennel cough

2. A total body dermatitis

3. Flea allergy dermatitis

4. Tapeworm infection

The correct answer is: Kennel cough

Kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory disease commonly found in dogs and is indeed spread through aerosol transmission. This means that it can be transmitted when an infected dog coughs or sneezes, creating respiratory droplets that can be inhaled by other dogs in close proximity. The pathogen responsible for kennel cough, which can include various viruses and bacteria, facilitates this mode of transmission, making it easily spreadable in environments where dogs are in close contact, such as shelters, boarding facilities, and dog parks. In contrast, total body dermatitis, flea allergy dermatitis, and tapeworm infection involve different modes of transmission. Total body dermatitis is usually caused by allergies or skin irritations rather than being transmitted from one animal to another. Flea allergy dermatitis results from allergic reactions to flea bites and does not involve an infectious agent that spreads through the air. Tapeworm infection is typically transmitted through the ingestion of infected fleas or contaminated food, not through aerosol or respiratory routes. This clearly positions kennel cough as the only disease in this list that is transmitted via aerosol.