Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

Which of the following is an example of a disease caused by a virus?

1. Canine distemper

2. Feline leukemia

3. Heartworm disease

4. Ringworm

The correct answer is: Canine distemper

Canine distemper is indeed an example of a disease caused by a virus. Specifically, it is caused by the canine distemper virus (CDV), which primarily affects dogs but can also infect various wildlife species. The disease is highly contagious and can lead to severe respiratory, gastrointestinal, and neurological issues in affected animals. Understanding viral diseases in animals is crucial for laboratory animal technicians as it informs the management and care of affected species. Preventive measures, such as vaccination, are important components of controlling viral infections, which highlights the role of a technician in ensuring the health and welfare of laboratory animals. In contrast, feline leukemia is also a viral illness but affects cats specifically, while heartworm disease is caused by a parasitic worm and not a virus. Ringworm, on the other hand, is a fungal infection, further emphasizing how canine distemper stands apart in this context as a viral disease.