Cow-Calf Certification Practice Exam

Do humans present a risk for transmitting disease from one cattle operation to another?

1. True

2. False

3. Only if they are in close contact

4. Only with infected cattle

The correct answer is: False

The assertion that humans do not present a risk for transmitting disease from one cattle operation to another is a perspective that can be supported in certain contexts. Generally, the primary pathways for disease transmission in cattle largely occur through direct contact between animals, environmental factors, and other vectors such as insects. While humans can inadvertently contribute to disease spread by carrying pathogens on clothes, equipment, or through other means, their role is typically secondary, especially if biosecurity measures are in place. It’s important to understand that when focusing specifically on cattle operations, robust biosecurity practices significantly minimize any potential risk posed by humans. These practices include changing clothes and footwear, using dedicated equipment for each herd, and ensuring that any visitor or worker has followed health protocols to prevent disease transmission. The other options imply varying degrees of risk involving human interaction. While close contact with infected animals may elevate the risk, the question seeks to establish a broader understanding of human involvement in disease transmission, where the primary concern lies with animal-to-animal interactions rather than human-mediated transmission.