What is a fomite?

What is a fomite?

• A. A living animal that transmits disease
• B. A pathogen vector
• C. A contaminated inanimate object such as clothing, milking equipment, and trucks
• D. A dietary supplement used in animal feed

Answer: (C)

A fomite is an inanimate object that can carry infectious agents and transfer them to people or animals. This is why items like clothing, milking equipment, and trucks are cited: they can become contaminated and spread pathogens through contact or touch. It’s different from a living animal that transmits disease, which acts as a host or reservoir, and from a pathogen vector, which is an organism (often an insect) that actively carries and moves pathogens. A dietary supplement used in animal feed has no role in mechanical transmission of disease. To reduce fomite transmission, focus on cleaning, disinfecting surfaces and objects, and preventing cross-contamination.

A fomite is an inanimate object that can carry infectious agents and transfer them to people or animals. This is why items like clothing, milking equipment, and trucks are cited: they can become contaminated and spread pathogens through contact or touch. It’s different from a living animal that transmits disease, which acts as a host or reservoir, and from a pathogen vector, which is an organism (often an insect) that actively carries and moves pathogens. A dietary supplement used in animal feed has no role in mechanical transmission of disease. To reduce fomite transmission, focus on cleaning, disinfecting surfaces and objects, and preventing cross-contamination.