Exploring Animal Diseases:

Pathogens, Vectors, and Hosts

Presley Bender
Learning Objectives “Research
1. Research common pathogens common
affecting animals. pathogens, vectors,
2. Identify vectors responsible for and hosts that cause
disease transmission. disease in animals.”
3. Understand the role of hosts in the
spread of animal diseases. – California
Purpose Career Technical
The importance of understanding Education Model
animal pathogens and diseases related Curriculum
to animal health and agriculture Standards
Pathogens in Animal Diseases
oPathogen: any microorganism that causes disease
oThere are 4 main types of pathogens:
1. Bacteria
2. Viruses
3. Fungi
4. Parasites
oDiseases caused by pathogens can lead to severe
illness and even death
oCan be found nearly anywhere but commonly are
found in soil, water, plants, and invertebrates
Zoonotic Diseases
Definition
Examples
Diseases that can be
Include brucellosis, anthrax,
transmitted between
leptospirosis, and rabies
animals and humans

Prevention and Control

Understanding the
pathogens that cause the
disease is crucial for
preventing outbreaks and
protecting human health
Vectors and Their Role
o Vectors: organisms that serve as carriers of
pathogens transmitting them from one host to
another
o Types of vectors
Insects: mosquitoes, flies, ticks
Parasites: fleas, lice, mites
o For Example:
o A vector bites an infected animal it picks up
the pathogen  Later, when it bites another
animal it transfers the pathogen, spreading the
disease
Hosts and Disease Spread
o Hosts: organisms that harbor and
may be affected by pathogens,
serving as a source for disease
transmission
o Provide an environment for
pathogens to multiply and thrive,
facilitating their life cycle
o Some animals can fight off the
disease that is transmitted to them
while others unknowingly aid in the
spread of the pathogen
Disease Prevention
Strategies
o Vaccination Programs- the
importance of vaccination in
preventing the spread of infectious
diseases
o Biosecurity Measures- prevent the
introduction and spread of pathogens
such as quarantining animals and
wearing protective boot covers
o Public Health Education- the role of
public health campaigns in raising
awareness about zoonotic diseases and
preventative measures
Common Bacterial Pathogens
o Bacteria: microorganisms made up of a single cell
o Salmonella: caused by bacteria found in o Leptospirosis: caused by bacteria found
the intestines of birds, reptiles and in water contaminated with urine of
mammals that causes diarrhea, infected animals resulting in flu-like
vomiting, abdominal cramps, and fever symptoms and potential kidney and liver
when ingested damage
Common Viral Pathogens
o Virus: non-living, infective agent made up of a piece of genetic code such as DNA
or RNA
o Canine Parvovirus: A severe viral o Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD)
infection affecting dogs, especially Virus: highly contagious virus
puppies, causing sever gastrointestinal affecting cloven-hooved animals,
distress and weakness causing fever, blistering in the
mouth, and lameness
Common Parasitic & Fungal Pathogens
o Parasite: organisms that behave like tiny animals, living in or on a host and feeding
from or at the expense of the host
o Fungi: Multicellular organisms with a thick cell wall and membrane found just about
everywhere
o Roundworms: intestinal o Ringworm: a fungal infection
parasites causing various that affects the skin, hair, and
health issues in dogs and nails of animals with potential
cats including digestive transmission to humans
problems
o Ticks: Arachnids that
acts as external parasites,
transmitting diseases like
Lyme Disease to animals
and humans