What is a Zoonotic Disease?

• A. A pesticide used to kill adult mosquitoes
• B. A trap that targets egg-laying mosquitoes
• C. A disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans.
• D. A surveillance method where mosquitoes are counted as they land on a human in a set time.

Answer: (C)

A zoonotic disease is a disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans. This matters in public health because many pathogens rely on animals as natural reservoirs or hosts, and vectors like mosquitoes can bridge the gap between animals and people. For example, birds can carry West Nile virus, and when a mosquito bites an infected bird, it can then transmit the virus to a person. Zoonoses can involve bacteria, viruses, or parasites, and controlling these risks often involves reducing mosquito populations and limiting contact with animal reservoirs. The other options describe tools or methods (pesticides, traps, or counting bites) rather than what the disease itself is.