Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC) Practice Exam 2026 – The All-in-One Guide for Exam Success

The term "zoonotic disease" refers specifically to diseases that are transmitted from animals to humans. This encompasses a wide range of infections that can be caused by various pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. Zoonotic diseases can arise from direct contact with infected animals, through bites, or indirectly through vectors such as ticks and mosquitoes, or contaminated environments. Understanding zoonotic diseases is crucial for public health, as they can impact humans significantly, especially in settings where humans and animals interact closely.

In contrast, other terms in the options address different concepts. For instance, an illness that is exclusive to humans, or an epidemic among animals, does not encompass the interactions and transmissions characteristic of zoonotic diseases. Similarly, infections that are found only in wildlife may not necessarily be zoonotic unless they can be transmitted to humans. Therefore, the definition of zoonotic disease is clear and specific, highlighting the pathway of transmission from animals to human hosts.