Veterinary Technician Practice Exam

How is Equine Infectious Anemia primarily transmitted?

1. Contact with infected urine

2. Vectors such as mosquitoes

3. Direct contact with infected animals

4. Consumption of contaminated feed

The correct answer is: Vectors such as mosquitoes

Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) is primarily transmitted through vectors such as mosquitoes, which are responsible for spreading the disease from one horse to another. These insects bite an infected horse and then can subsequently bite a healthy horse, transferring the virus in the process. This mode of transmission emphasizes the significance of vector control in managing and preventing the spread of EIA within equine populations. Other methods of transmission, while possible, are not the primary routes. For example, direct contact with infected animals does not typically spread EIA efficiently because the virus is not easily transmitted through casual contact. Additionally, contact with infected urine or consumption of contaminated feed are not recognized as significant transmission pathways for this virus. Therefore, understanding that mosquitoes are the main vectors is crucial for effective prevention strategies in affected regions.