What is the role of bridge vectors in disease transmission?

• A. Transmit virus from birds to mammals
• B. Carry water for larval habitat creation
• C. Pollinate flowers in wetland areas
• D. Provide food for larval development

Answer: (A)

Bridge vectors are those mosquitoes or other arthropods that pick up a pathogen from wildlife reservoirs (like birds) and then transmit it to humans or domestic animals, creating spillover from the wildlife cycle into human populations. For example, a mosquito that feeds on infected birds can become carriers and later bite people, spreading the virus. This bridging role directly explains how diseases move from wildlife to mammals, which is why the correct description is transmitting the virus from birds to mammals. The other options describe ecological or developmental roles (habitat creation, pollination, or providing larval food) that don’t pertain to disease transmission.