Which statement is NOT one of the three organisms accounting for about 78% of illnesses at animal exhibits?

Which statement is NOT one of the three organisms accounting for about 78% of illnesses at animal exhibits?

• A. E. coli
• B. Salmonella
• C. Cryptosporidium
• D. Campylobacter

Answer: (D)

When assessing illnesses tied to animal exhibits, the most impactful threats are pathogens that spread from animal feces to humans through direct contact or contaminated surfaces. The three organisms that account for the majority of these illnesses—about three-quarters—are E. coli, Salmonella, and Cryptosporidium. E. coli (including pathogenic strains like O157) is shed by a range of animals and can cause severe gastrointestinal illness. Salmonella is common across many species encountered in exhibits, including reptiles and birds, and transmits readily via hands, cages, or water. Cryptosporidium produces hardy oocysts that persist in the environment and resist common disinfection, making it a frequent cause of diarrhea after exhibit visits. Campylobacter is a well-known cause of gastroenteritis in the general population, but in the specific context of illnesses from animal exhibits, it does not contribute to that top-three share. Therefore, Campylobacter is not one of the organisms accounting for that majority.

When assessing illnesses tied to animal exhibits, the most impactful threats are pathogens that spread from animal feces to humans through direct contact or contaminated surfaces. The three organisms that account for the majority of these illnesses—about three-quarters—are E. coli, Salmonella, and Cryptosporidium. E. coli (including pathogenic strains like O157) is shed by a range of animals and can cause severe gastrointestinal illness. Salmonella is common across many species encountered in exhibits, including reptiles and birds, and transmits readily via hands, cages, or water. Cryptosporidium produces hardy oocysts that persist in the environment and resist common disinfection, making it a frequent cause of diarrhea after exhibit visits. Campylobacter is a well-known cause of gastroenteritis in the general population, but in the specific context of illnesses from animal exhibits, it does not contribute to that top-three share. Therefore, Campylobacter is not one of the organisms accounting for that majority.