Which statement best describes Vesicular Stomatitis epidemiology?

Which statement best describes Vesicular Stomatitis epidemiology?

• A. Affects multiple species; definitive vector is unidentified; all ages susceptible
• B. Affects only cattle; vector is stable fly; only young animals
• C. Affects multiple species; vector is identified as ticks; all ages susceptible
• D. Affects only horses; vector unknown; adults only

Answer: (A)

Vesicular stomatitis has a broad host range and is transmitted mainly by arthropod vectors, but no single definitive vector has been proven. Outbreaks have affected multiple species—horses, cattle, pigs, and other animals—reflecting its cross-species epidemiology, and there isn’t an age-restricted susceptibility pattern, so both young and adult animals can be affected. This combination makes the statement that best fits the disease: it affects multiple species, a definitive vector is unidentified, and all ages are susceptible. The other descriptions wrongly limit host range (to cattle or horses), imply a single confirmed vector (such as a stable fly or ticks), or restrict susceptibility to adults.

Vesicular stomatitis has a broad host range and is transmitted mainly by arthropod vectors, but no single definitive vector has been proven. Outbreaks have affected multiple species—horses, cattle, pigs, and other animals—reflecting its cross-species epidemiology, and there isn’t an age-restricted susceptibility pattern, so both young and adult animals can be affected. This combination makes the statement that best fits the disease: it affects multiple species, a definitive vector is unidentified, and all ages are susceptible. The other descriptions wrongly limit host range (to cattle or horses), imply a single confirmed vector (such as a stable fly or ticks), or restrict susceptibility to adults.