NYS Wildlife Rehabilitation EXAM » Diseases

190. True or False. All incoming wildlife cases should be treated with antibiotics to ward off infection.

False. Antibiotics are only effective against bacterial disease and some types of parasites, but not viruses. Antibiotics can have side effects. Misuse of antibiotics can cause development of resistant bacteria. Oral antibiotics can destroy delicate gut microbes, leading to diarrhea. Some types of antibiotics can cause fatal enteritis in some species (oral penicillins and rabbits). Antibiotic treatment should be given only after careful examination of an animal's condition and consultation with a veterinarian.

166. True or False. If a reptile appears healthy, salmonella should not be of concern.

False. Because of the frequency with which reptiles carry salmonella, one should always assume that exposure is likely when handling them. Reptiles can shed salmonella in their feces without appearing to be ill themselves.

158. True or False. Quarantining wild animals for a ten (10) day period is sufficient for detecting rabies infection.

False. The Incubation period for the rabies virus is extremely variable. Clinical signs appear in the majority of cases within 15 to 25 days but, occasionally, the incubation period may be delayed for a much longer period of time. If people or domestic animals have been exposed either by being bitten or scratched, no quarantine is sufficient; the wild animal should be euthanized and examined for rabies. The brain tissue will be tested. Pre-exposure rabies vaccines are required to care for RVS (Rabies Vector Species), and if one is bitten by a rabid animal, post-exposure vaccinations are available. It is advisable for any licensed wildlife rehabilitator to receive the rabies pre-exposure vaccinations.

156. True or False. Baylisascaris procyonis (raccoon roundworm) is not transmissible to humans.

False. This is a harmful zoonotic disease which can cause brain and eye problems, even death.

186. True or False. Wildlife cases should always be treated for intestinal parasites on presentation.

False. many wild animals will have some intestinal parasites, particularly adults. Fecal exams should be performed to evaluate the number and type of parasites. There are many species of nematodes (hookworms, whipworms and roundworms), cestodes (tapeworms), trematodes (flukes) and protozoa that can infect wildlife, and treatment must be tailored to the type of parasite present. It may not be necessary to treat for parasites unless the animal is heavily infected, severely stressed, or has a particular type of parasite known to be problematic. A veterinarian should be consulted before treating. Improper use of anthelmintic medications can cause side effects and the development of resistant strains of parasites.

181. True or False. Botulism, also known as limber-neck, is a disease caused by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.

True. Animals living near contaminated bodies of water can get the Botulism toxin by ingesting the spores of Clostridium botulinum. The toxin prevents signals from the brain from reaching the muscles.

149. True or False. A zoonotic disease is the name of a disease that is transmissible from animals to people and/or people to animals.

True. Because there are diseases that can pass between people and animals, licensed wildlife rehabilitators must be extremely careful when working with wildlife patients. Examples of zoonotic diseases are rabies, Lyme disease, tuberculosis and brucellosis.

189. True or False. Psittacosis can be acquired directly from inhaling the dust from dried bird droppings.

True. It is a zoonotic bacterial infection also known as "parrot fever" and can be found in parrots, pigeons, sparrows, ducks, gulls and many other birds. It is communicable to humans and marked by pneumonia and high fever. It is transmitted by ingesting or inhaling the droppings from an infected bird.

191. True or False. Rehydration for dehydrated opossum babies can be done with Lactated Ringers.

True. Lactated Ringers Solution is a standard re-hydration solution. It can be given orally or injected subcutaneously.

152. True or False. All native mammals can transmit rabies.

True. One should use caution and report all bites to the local Health Dept.

177. True or False. All birds can carry Avian Influenza.

True. Poultry is most susceptible to Avian Influenza. Free-range waterfowl have also been infected but rarely show signs of the disease. Contact the Center for Disease Control (CDC) 800-232-4636, or [email protected]

153. True or False. Birds cannot contract rabies.

True. Rabies has not been found in birds. Rabies only affects mammals.

172. True or False. Licensed wildlife rehabilitators handling mammals should have pre-exposure immunization against rabies.

True. Rabies is a viral disease, which usually results in the death of the infected individuals. Transmission occurs through the contamination of a wound, or break in the skin, with the virus-laden saliva of an infected animal. Pre-exposure immunization is recommended to high-risk individuals such as veterinarians and licensed wildlife rehabilitators. Avoiding contact with high risk animals also prevents exposure.

151. True or False. Rabies is caused by a virus.

True. Rabies is caused by the Rhabdoviridae family virus. It attacks the nervous system and is fatal if it reaches the brain. If someone is bitten by a rabid animal they must seek immediate treatment to prevent death.

165. True or False. Although it is a good rule of thumb to wash ones hands after handling animals, it is especially important when handling reptiles, so as to avoid contracting salmonella.

True. Reptiles frequently carry salmonella and should be handled accordingly.

180. True or False. The term Avian Influenza refers to collection of virus strains, not all of which cause disease in people.

True. There are at least 16 different "H" types of Avian Flu (H1-H16) and 9 different N types (N1-N9). They are further divided into low and high pathogenicity.

173. An epizootic disease is: a. one which attacks a large number of animals simultaneously, similar to an epidemic in humans b. transmissible from animals to humans c. only contagious among birds d. a problem which is extremely rare in the United States

a. An epizootic disease is an outbreak of disease affecting many animals of one kind or species at the same time.

174. You observe a grey fox wandering aimlessly. You notice convulsive movements of the head and discharge from the nose and eyes. The fox most likely has contracted: a. distemper b. sarcoptic mange c. trichomoniasis d. leptospirosis

a. Canine distemper is a contagious, viral disease with no known cure. The major symptoms include high fever, reddening of the eyes and a watery discharge from the nose and eyes. Animals become lethargic, tired, and exhibit vomiting, diarrhea, coughing and convulsions. In the latter stages of the disease, it attacks the Central Nervous System and animals suffer seizures, paralysis and death. Distemper is a highly contagious disease and almost always fatal. Euthanasia is a more humane solution. You also need to be cautious and suspect the disease of Rabies as another possibility.

183. Leptospirosis is a: a. bacterial infection b. protozoal infection c. fungal infection d. viral infection

a. Leptospirosis bacteria are spread through the urine of rodents and other infected mammals. The infection can be acquired by consuming contaminated food or water. It can also infect humans through poor hygiene.

168. While handling an adult opossum, you receive a bite to your palm. There are several diseases that you may contract from this type of injury. Because of your exposure to wild species and your increased risk for injury, it is recommended that licensed wildlife rehabilitators be vaccinated against: a. rabies and tetanus b. rabies and distemper c. rabies and salmonella d. tetanus and distemper

a. Rabies is a viral disease, which usually results in the death of the infected individual or animal. Transmission occurs through the contamination of a wound, or break in the skin, with the virus-laden saliva of an infected animal. Pre- exposure immunization is recommended to high-risk individuals such as veterinarians and licensed wildlife rehabilitators. Avoiding contact with high risk animals also prevents exposure. Any injury, including animal bites, can result in tetanus. Tetanus is caused by anaerobic bacteria. This organism is found in soil, human and animal feces. The portal of entry is through a wound contaminated with soil or feces. In people, the disease is characterized by stiffness and pain contractions in muscles of the jaw and neck. All wounds should be cleaned and debrided thoroughly and the licensed wildlife rehabilitator's vaccination for tetanus toxoid should be current.

162. A widespread bacterial zoonotic disease of birds, mammals and reptiles, which has fecal/oral transmission, and is commonly found in wild animals is: a. salmonella b. distemper c. chlamydiosis d. rabies

a. Salmonella infection occurs commonly in birds, mammals, reptiles and humans. Transmission is primarily through the ingestion of fecal material from an infected animal. The infection may not manifest itself with clinical signs. The animal may have a latent infection, harboring the pathogen in its lymph nodes, later shedding the organism in its stool intermittently. In all species, clinical signs include; abdominal pain, and vomiting and diarrhea. Prevention of the spread of this disease depends primarily on good hygiene. Washing your hands as well as wearing gloves before and after handling any animal is important.

185. Salmonellosis is a: a. bacterial infection b. protozoal infection c. fungal infection d. viral infection

a. Salmonellosis is a bacterial infection often referred to as food poisoning. Although it is not contagious, both the animal patient and the licensed wildlife rehabilitator can be infected. This bacterial infection causes diarrhea, vomiting and stomach cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection. Animals become infected through the fecal-oral route.

170. An adult Eastern Coyote is brought in that is missing a lot of fur and has sores all over its body. It smells really bad. Which of the following treatable conditions might it have that would cause these symptoms? a. Sarcoptic mange b. Rabies c. Distemper d. Newcastle disease

a. Sarcoptic mange will cause the loss of fur but is treatable.

157. If you are bitten by a wild mammal you are caring for, which of the following should you do? a. wash the wound and contact the local health department b. wash the wound out well and forget about it c. wash the wound, quarantine the animal for two weeks d. release the animal as soon as possible

a. With the real threat of rabies, it pays to be cautious. Always wash all wounds carefully with soap and water, even though this will not prevent rabies it can help with transmission of other diseases. All bites are reportable to the local Health Department to see if they want the animal tested. If requested, follow the Health Department procedures to have the animal euthanized, submit it for rabies examination (refrigerate the carcass, do not freeze.) While awaiting results, notify your family physician. Since some wildlife species may incubate rabies for long periods, quarantine is not an option.

167. Which is a zoonotic fungal disease which is transmitted through the inhalation of spores? a. chlamydiosis b. aspergillosis c. distemper d. scabies

b. Aspergillus is a fungus that can survive in a variety of different environmental conditions. An important source of infection is fungus-contaminated bedding, which is why straw is not used for raptor bedding. Aspergillosis in birds is typically a chronic disease with variable signs including respiratory distress. People with already weakened immune systems or who suffer other lung conditions are more susceptible to infection. Protective masks and gloves should be worn when performing necropsies.

179. You begin to examine an adult mallard duck which appears to be paralyzed. It is unable to use its wings for flight and has difficulty moving its legs. The nictitating membranes cover both eyes and appear swollen and inflamed. A disease which may cause these signs and is sometimes seen in waterfowl due to the ingestion of a bacterial toxin, is: a. tetanus b. botulism c. aspergillosis d. chlamydiosis

b. Avian botulism is a disease caused by Clostridium botulinum, which is an anaerobic bacteria (can live without oxygen) whose toxin produces an often fatal progressive paralysis. Botulism can affect shorebirds, waterfowl, herons and pheasants in the wild. The disease often begins with paralysis of the wings, followed by paralysis of the legs. The nictitating membrane may become paralyzed.Finally, paralysis spreads to the neck causing the typical 'limber-neck' symptom, and respiratory failure can follow. In Botulism type C, bacteria are found commonly in soil and thrive in a warm anaerobic environment, such as shallow water heated by the sun. Type E Botulism is found in the Great Lakes and causes illness in fish eating birds. Symptoms can develop within hours after the toxin is ingested. The bird should be seen by a cooperating veterinarian for proper diagnosis. It is important to treat the victims as early as possible. Birds presented in an early stage of paralysis have been treated successfully by repeated gavage with electrolyte solutions to flush the system of both the toxin and the bacteria.

159. Which of the following is not a zoonotic disease (a disease or parasite that can cause illness to a person handling wildlife)? a. leptrospirosis b. distemper c. raccoon roundworm (baylisascaris) d. rabies

b. Distemper is a viral disease, which can cause disease in many mammals, but does not cause disease in humans. Eggs (ova) of the raccoon roundworm can be ingested by people or other mammals and can cause serious or fatal disease. Rabies is a virus capable of causing fatal disease in all mammals, including humans. West Nile virus, Hantavirus, Lyme Disease, and many parasites (mange, baylisascaris, etc.) are all examples of zoonotic diseases.

187. Lyme disease is contracted via: a. airborne particulates b. deer ticks c. ingestion d. all of the above

b. Lyme disease is contracted from deer ticks. The infection causes a reddish rash, headache, fever and chills and later can produce arthritis, nervous system and cardiac disorders. The licensed wildlife rehabilitator needs to be concerned whenever walking through grass to pick up an animal. Lyme disease is an emerging infectious disease which is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected Ixodes tick. The tick must be adhered for 24 hours to pass the bacteria.

160. Humans may become infected with raccoon roundworms by: a. eating undercooked raccoon meat b. swallowing something contaminated with roundworm eggs c. coming into contact with the blood of a raccoon killed on the highway d. being bitten by a raccoon showing nasal discharge, weeping eyes and matted greasy fur

b. Objects near where the raccoon has defecated may contain parasite eggs, (e.g. bark, grass, soil, bedding, etc.) and may become contaminated easily. A blowtorch is the only means to kill the eggs. When considering public education, this is an opportunity to explain why gardeners should wear gloves and wash hands carefully after digging in the soil. It also serves as a way to convince the public not to handle raccoons.

154. Which of the following is not a high risk species for rabies? a. skunk b. rabbit c. raccoon d. bats

b. Rabbits and rodents rarely contract rabies. But remember, they can contract the disease from other rabid animals, so you must still be careful and report all bites to your local Health Dept.

178. The main carrier of the Hantavirus in New York State is: a. grey squirrel b. deer mice c. Norway rats d. beavers

b. This deadly virus appears to be carried by specific hosts such as the deer mouse and white-footed mouse. These are the only known rodents to carry this disease in the North East. Hantavirus is an aerosolized virus contracted from breathing in dust from infected rodent droppings, urine or saliva.

164. Surfaces with which reptiles come in contact should be cleaned in order to prevent exposure to: a. influenza b. distemper c. salmonella d. all of the above

c. Both reptiles and amphibians can carry salmonella and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), "anything that reptiles and amphibians touch should be considered possibly contaminated with salmonella." This includes all cage surfaces and soaking tubs/basins, cleaning implements and cage furniture. Surfaces should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected with a 10% bleach solution to prevent spread of salmonella between animals and from animals to people. Avoid exposing animals to fumes or actual bleach solution by rinsing and allowing surfaces to dry before using.

150. Which of the following is a zoonotic virus capable of causing disease in all mammals, including humans, and is transmitted usually through contact with an infected animal's saliva or blood? a. aspergillosis b. ornithosis c. rabies d. distemper

c. Rabies is a potentially fatal zoonotic viral disease found in warm blooded mammals. A licensed wildlife rehabilitator should take preventative measures by being treated with pre-exposure vaccinations.

169. A young fox is found and is easily captured. Upon examination it is revealed that the fox has an unusually domed skull and its eyes are protruding. The pup is having seizures and seems unable to locate food placed under its nose. Based on these symptoms, what un-treatable condition might it have? a. sarcoptic mange b. pneumonia c. hydrocephalus d. parvovirus

c. hydrocephalus. This untreatable condition is congenital and is characterized by a domed skull and protruding eyes because of the cerebrospinal fluid that is unable to drain from the skull cavity. It is fairly common in foxes and small dogs such as Boston Terriers and Chihuahuas. For foxes, the only humane thing to do is euthanasia.

182. Ringworm is a: a. bacterial infection b. protozoal infection c. fungal infection d. viral infection

c: Although it is most commonly seen in squirrels, all mammals are susceptible to Ringworm. It is called Ringworm because of the round lesion it creates, however it has nothing to do with worms or parasites. Use caution as this fungus is highly contagious, but treatable.

171. Which of the following might you be able to catch from a sick Red fox or Coyote? a. rabies b. sarcoptic mange c. ringworm d. all of the above

d. All of these conditions are able to be passed to humans. It is important to avoid being bitten, to wear gloves and to wash hands and clothing thoroughly after handling the animals.

155. If a licensed wildlife rehabilitator is bitten by a mammal, he or she should? a. wash the wound well with soap and water b. call the Health Department c. see a physician immediately d. all of the above

d. Always wash such wounds carefully with soap and water. All bites are reportable to the local Health Department to see if they want the animal tested for rabies. It is advisable to contact your physician to determine if antibiotics or rabies treatment is necessary.

175. Which of the following statements about distemper in wildlife is false? a. the symptoms often resemble those of rabies b. raccoons, grey foxes and skunks are all commonly affected c. the symptoms often include a runny nose and eyes, disorientation and lack of fear d. a wild animal found with distemper, walking in circles in someone's yard can be saved if taken to a cooperating veterinarian right away

d. Distemper is a highly contagious disease and almost always fatal, therefore, euthanasia is a more humane solution. Be very cautious bringing an animal with this disease into your facility.

176. Humans can contract the hantavirus through infected rodents by: a. euthanizing it b. touching it c. having contact with its blood d. inhaling dust from its droppings

d. Hantavirus is an aerosolized virus contracted from breathing in dust from infected rodent droppings, urine or saliva.

188. Newcastle Disease virus is transmitted by: a. airborne particulates b. nasal secretions c. ingestion d. all of the above

d. Newcastle Disease is a contagious, epizootic, viral disease affecting most species of birds. It is transmitted mostly through inhalation and direct contact. Common symptoms in birds include respiratory distress, greenish watery diarrhea, muscle tremors, drooping of the wings and twisting of the head and neck. Human beings, if infected, can experience mild conjunctivitis and influenza symptoms. It poses no other health hazard to humans.

163. Salmonella, a bacterial infection, is transmitted easily from: a. mammals to mammals b. birds to birds c. birds to humans d. all of the above

d. Salmonella is a gram negative bacterial infection which occurs commonly in birds, mammals, reptiles and humans. Transmission is primarily through the ingestion of fecal material from an infected animal. The infection may not manifest itself with clinical signs. The animal may have a latent infection, harboring the pathogen in its lymph nodes, later shedding the organism in its stool intermittently. In all species, clinical signs include; abdominal pain, and vomiting and diarrhea. Prevention of the spread of this disease depends primarily on good hygiene. Washing your hands as well as wearing gloves before and after handling any animal is important.

184. The following are caused by direct skin to skin contact: a. sarcoptic mange b. West Nile Virus c. ringworm d. both a and c

d. Sarcoptic Mange and Ringworm can be contracted by direct skin to skin contact and infected bedding. Both diseases can be transmitted to the licensed wildlife rehabilitator through direct body contact, so it is important to wear gloves. Sarcoptic Mange mites spread to new hosts by direct body contact or by transfer from common nests, burrows, dens or bedding. Good hygiene is necessary when handling infected animals.

192. The Virginia Opossum, like many animals, is particularly prone to the following conditions in rehabilitation situations? a. metabolic bone disease b. obesity c. dermal septic necrosis d. all of the above

d. The Virginia Opossum, like many animals, is particularly prone to these conditions. The licensed wildlife rehabilitator must be careful to avoid inflicting these conditions on the animal.

161. In species other than raccoons, which of the following symptoms can be caused by Baylisascaris procyonis (raccoon roundworm): a. central nervous system abnormalities b. blindness c. death d. all of the above

d. This is another reason why only rabies vector licensed wildlife rehabilitators may handle raccoons. Once a member of the public hears what could happen, they will often voluntarily give up the animal to the proper authorities. Try to explain that raccoons are safe if left in the wild, just should not be in contact with humans.