Zoonotic Disease Detective

By: Presley Bender

Instructor Information

The purpose of this Webquest is to engage high school students in an interactive

exploration of animal zoonotic diseases through problem-solving, critical thinking,

and research. By deciphering clues and solving puzzles related to common

zoonotic pathogens, students deepen their understanding of disease transmission,

symptoms, and hosts.

CTE Standards:
D6.3 Research common pathogens, vectors, and hosts that cause disease in
animals.

Technology Required:
• Internet access
• Computer
 Zoonotic Disease Detective

By: Presley Bender

Introduction:

Welcome, Disease Detectives! In this thrilling puzzle adventure, you will embark on a mission to

uncover the secrets of zoonotic diseases. As elite investigators, your task is to decipher clues,

solve puzzles, and crack codes to reveal the identities of hidden pathogens lurking in the

shadows. Are you ready to unravel the mysteries of the microbial world and save the day?

Task:

Your mission is to solve a series of challenging puzzles related to zoonotic diseases. Each puzzle

will provide a clue or piece of information leading to the identification of a specific pathogen.

Your goal is to uncover the identities of four zoonotic pathogens and present your findings to

your fellow detectives.

Process:

Mystery Disease #1:

 Clue 1: I thrive in damp environments and cause flu-like symptoms in those I infect such

as fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and lethargy.

Clue 2: Rodents are my primary hosts, but I can also infect other animals and humans

through urine contaminated water.

Clue 3: My name comes from the spiral shape of my bacteria. What am I?

Answer: ____________________________________

Mystery Disease #2: Lyme Disease

Clue 1: I am transmitted by tiny arachnids found in wooded areas and tall grasses.

Clue 2: Animals infected with me may exhibit lameness, swollen joints, and fever.

Clue 3: I am a bacterium and when transmitted to humans produces a bull’s-eye rash as a

telltale sign of infection. What am I?

Answer: ____________________________________

Mystery Disease #3: Giardia

Clue 1: I am a microscopic parasite that commonly affects the gastrointestinal tract of

animals.

Clue 2: My infection can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss in domestic pets such

as dogs and cats.

Clue 3: I am often transmitted through contaminated water sources or contact with

infected feces. What am I?

Answer: ____________________________________
Mystery Disease #4: West Nile Virus

Clue 1: I am a viral disease that primarily affects birds, causing neurological symptoms

such as weakness and inability to fly.

Clue 2: Mosquitoes serve as vectors for my transmission between birds, amplifying my

presence in avian populations.

Clue 3: My spread can have significant impacts on bird populations, particularly those

species highly susceptible to my effects, such as crows and jays.

Answer: ____________________________________

Resources:

https://www.merckvetmanual.com/ https://vethelpdirect.com/

Questions:

1. How might understanding zoonotic diseases impact your daily activities, such as outdoor
recreation or caring for pets?

2. Why is it important for us to understand zoonotic diseases and their transmission

dynamics?
 Evaluation:

Excellent Good Needs Improvement

Decoding Student successfully deciphers
Cryptic Clues all cryptic clues for each
(50%) zoonotic disease, accurately
identifying the pathogens
based on the provided hints.
Overall Student demonstrates
Understanding exceptional problem-solving
(40%) skills and critical thinking
abilities in piecing together the
clues and identifying the
zoonotic pathogens accurately.
Engagement Student actively engages in the
(10%) WebQuest tasks with
enthusiasm, curiosity, and a
willingness to explore and
learn about zoonotic diseases.
Total: 100 pts
Student encounters some Student struggles to
difficulties in decipher cryptic clues for
deciphering cryptic clues each zoonotic disease,
for each zoonotic leading to frequent errors
disease, resulting in or inaccuracies in
occasional inaccuracies identifying the pathogens.
or incomplete
identifications of the
pathogens.
Student exhibits basic Student demonstrates
problem-solving skills limited problem-solving
and critical thinking skills and critical thinking
abilities in piecing abilities in piecing
together the clues and together the clues and
identifying the zoonotic identifying the zoonotic
pathogens, but may pathogens, requiring
require significant extensive assistance or
assistance or guidance. guidance.
Student demonstrates Student shows little to no
limited engagement or engagement or
participation in the participation in the
WebQuest tasks, WebQuest tasks,
showing minimal displaying disinterest or
interest or effort in apathy towards exploring
exploring and learning and learning about
about zoonotic diseases. zoonotic diseases.

Conclusion:

Congratulations, Disease Detectives, on solving the mystery of the hidden pathogens! Through

your detective work and problem-solving skills, you have uncovered valuable insights into the

world of zoonotic diseases. Share your findings with your fellow detectives to raise awareness

and promote understanding of the importance of disease surveillance and prevention.