Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

Q-fever is primarily associated with sheep and is caused by the bacterium Coxiella burnetii. This zoonotic disease can be transmitted to humans through inhalation of contaminated dust particles, contact with infected animals, or consumption of unpasteurized dairy products. In sheep, the disease often goes unnoticed, as many animals can be asymptomatic carriers. Nonetheless, it can lead to reproductive issues such as abortion in pregnant ewes, which makes monitoring for this disease critical in sheep farming practices. Brucellosis, while a significant disease in livestock, is more closely associated with cattle and goats than with sheep. Giardia is a protozoal infection that primarily affects the gastrointestinal tract and is not specific to sheep; it can infect a variety of mammals. Tuberculosis, particularly bovine tuberculosis, is associated more with cattle and less frequently with sheep. Understanding the characteristics and transmission pathways of Q-fever highlights its specific relevance to sheep and underscores the importance of proper biosecurity measures and control practices in livestock management.