Some of our best defenses against animal viruses include:
A antibiotics
B viroids
C vaccines
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is C. vaccines.
Vaccines are one of the most effective tools in protecting against a wide range of animal viruses. A vaccine works by stimulating the immune system to recognize and fight specific pathogens, including viruses. When an animal is vaccinated, the immune system is exposed to a small, harmless component of the virus, such as a protein, which trains the body to recognize the virus if it encounters it in the future. This preemptive immunity reduces the likelihood of an animal suffering from the full effects of the virus.
Antibiotics, while crucial for treating bacterial infections, do not work against viral infections. Viruses are fundamentally different from bacteria in structure and function, so antibiotics are ineffective in treating viral diseases. This is why, for viral infections, antiviral drugs or vaccines are required, not antibiotics.
Viroids are small, infectious RNA molecules that cause disease in plants, not animals. They lack the proteins and structures found in typical viruses and are not used as defenses against animal viruses. While viroids are a serious concern in agricultural settings, they do not apply to the context of defending against viral infections in animals.
In summary, vaccines are the cornerstone of defending against animal viruses, providing immunity and preventing disease spread. Their role in preventing outbreaks, protecting individual animals, and supporting overall herd health is vital in both veterinary medicine and wildlife conservation efforts.