Associate Safety Professional Practice Exam

Which of the following is associated with exposure to animal products?

1. Hantavirus

2. Leptospirosis

3. Anthrax

4. Influenza

The correct answer is: Anthrax

The association of anthrax with exposure to animal products primarily stems from the bacterium *Bacillus anthracis*, which often infects livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats. Humans can become infected through direct contact with contaminated animals or animal products, including hides, wool, or meat. This occupational hazard is especially significant for individuals working in veterinary medicine, animal husbandry, or in industrial settings where animal products are processed. Each of the other options represents different pathogens or diseases, but they are not primarily linked to exposure to animal products. Hantavirus is transmitted through rodent droppings and urine, while leptospirosis is often contracted through contact with contaminated water, which may not involve animal products directly. Influenza can circulate among animals (like birds and pigs) and can be transmitted to humans, but it is generally not directly associated with animal products in the same direct manner as anthrax. This distinction highlights why anthrax is the clear choice regarding its direct association with animal products.