Which one of the following factors is responsible for the spread of myxomatosis—a severe viral disease among rabbits?
High population density of rabbits
Myxomatosis is a highly fatal viral disease that affects rabbits, primarily caused by the Myxoma virus. The spread of this disease among rabbit populations is influenced by several factors, but one of the most significant factors is the population density of rabbits. Here's why:
- High Population Density: High density of rabbits in a given area facilitates the rapid transmission of the Myxoma virus. In environments where rabbits are more concentrated, the virus can spread quickly from one host to another through vectors like fleas and mosquitoes or direct contact. When many individuals are closely packed, the probability of disease transmission increases significantly.
- Vectors and Transmission: The Myxoma virus is primarily transmitted through biting insects such as fleas and mosquitoes. In areas where rabbit populations are dense, these vectors can easily spread the virus from an infected rabbit to healthy ones.
- Impact of Other Factors: While environmental factors like temperature could affect the vectors' activity, the direct spread of myxomatosis is more tightly correlated with how closely rabbits interact with each other.
By contrast, options like higher soil or water temperature do not directly influence the spread of myxomatosis. Although environmental conditions can affect the overall health and vector activity, they do not directly cause the virus to spread among rabbits.
Thus, the correct answer to the question is that a high population density of rabbits is responsible for the spread of myxomatosis.
Important Questions from Diseases and Causes
‘Beri-Beri’ is caused by the deficiency of __________.
Vectors are:
Match List-I with List-II and choose the correct answer using the codes given below :
List-I
(Crops)List-II
(Diseases)A. Paddy i. Wilt disease B. Wheat ii. Black Rust C. Sugarcane iii. Red Rot D. Pigeon Pea iv. Brown leaf spot - Diabetes mellitus is caused by the inadequate secretion of which hormone?
______ of antibiotics may lead to nausea, stomach ache, dysentery, rash, white patches on the tongue etc.
