UPSC Prelims 2002 · General Studies

Question 118: Science and Technology

Foot-and-mouth disease in animals, a current epidemic in some parts of the world, is caused by

aBacterium

bFungus

cProtozoan

dVirus

AnswerThe answer is (d).

Foot-and-mouth disease of cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, pigs and sheep is caused by a virus, an aphthovirus of the picornavirus family. It is highly contagious and spreads by contact, air and contaminated feed. The 2001 epidemic hit Britain and then other countries. Bacteria, fungi and protozoa cause other animal diseases.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Anthrax, not foot-and-mouth disease, is the well-known bacterial disease of cattle.
(b) Fungi cause infections such as ringworm, not foot-and-mouth disease.
(c) Protozoa cause other cattle diseases, not foot-and-mouth disease.
(d) Right: a virus.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2002, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.