UPSC Prelims 2005 Q130: Science & Technology – Health & Diseases
Which one of the following diseases of milching animals are infectious?
1. Foot and Mouth disease
2. Anthrax
3. Black Quarter
4. Cowpox
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
- (a) 1, 2 and 3
- (b) 2, 3 and 4
- (c) 1 and 4
- (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Explanation
Infectious diseases of milch animals
| Disease | Infectious? |
|---|---|
| Foot and Mouth disease | Yes — viral |
| Anthrax | Yes — bacterial |
| Black Quarter | Yes — bacterial (Clostridium) |
| Cowpox | Yes — viral, transmissible |
All four diseases are infectious diseases of milch animals.
Answer: (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Cowpox is also infectious.
- (b) Incorrect. Foot and Mouth disease is also infectious.
- (c) Incorrect. Anthrax and Black Quarter are also infectious.
- (d) CORRECT. All four are infectious.
Key point
Cattle diseases: FMD (virus), Anthrax and Black Quarter (bacteria), Cowpox (virus).
Remember
FMD, anthrax, black quarter and cowpox are infectious diseases of cattle.
Common mistakes
- Believing cowpox is not infectious because it is mild.
- Dropping Black Quarter as a deficiency disease.
- Mixing up viral and bacterial causes of these diseases.
Exam tip
All four listed are infectious; none is a nutritional disease.
Sources
- NCERT Class IX Science — Improvement in Food Resources
- World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) — Terrestrial Animal Health Code: foot and mouth disease; anthrax
- Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries, Government of India — Annual Report 2004–05 (animal health)