Which of the following is an example of a zoonotic disease?

Rabies is a prime example of a zoonotic disease because it is transmissible from animals to humans. This viral infection primarily affects mammals and is usually spread through bites or scratches from an infected animal, often involving wild animals like bats, raccoons, and foxes, as well as domestic animals such as dogs and cats. Once contracted, rabies can lead to severe neurological symptoms and is almost universally fatal without prompt post-exposure prophylaxis.

In contrast, other choices such as distemper, parvovirus, and coccidia are not zoonotic. Distemper and parvovirus are specific to canines and do not affect humans, while coccidia refers to a protozoal infection that primarily affects the intestines of animals, including dogs and cats, and does not transmit to humans. This distinction is crucial in veterinary medicine as understanding zoonotic diseases informs preventative measures for both animal and human health.