Can other animals be affected by African Horse Sickness?

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Multiple Choice

Can other animals be affected by African Horse Sickness?

The important idea is that African Horse Sickness virus mainly targets equids but can affect other animals under certain exposure conditions. While the virus is transmitted by Culicoides midges and horses, donkeys, and mules are the primary species at risk, there are circumstances where other animals can become affected. Specifically, dogs (and some other species) may contract disease if they ingest infected horse tissue or meat, even though this is not the typical route of transmission. This is why the statement that other animals can be affected—such as dogs that consume horse meat—is the best choice. The idea that only horses are affected, or that only ruminants or birds are susceptible, is not accurate because disease in non-equine species is not the usual focus and occurs only with specific exposure.

The important idea is that African Horse Sickness virus mainly targets equids but can affect other animals under certain exposure conditions. While the virus is transmitted by Culicoides midges and horses, donkeys, and mules are the primary species at risk, there are circumstances where other animals can become affected. Specifically, dogs (and some other species) may contract disease if they ingest infected horse tissue or meat, even though this is not the typical route of transmission. This is why the statement that other animals can be affected—such as dogs that consume horse meat—is the best choice. The idea that only horses are affected, or that only ruminants or birds are susceptible, is not accurate because disease in non-equine species is not the usual focus and occurs only with specific exposure.

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