Question

The first animal virus discovered by Friedrich Loeffler and Paul Frosch in 1898 was for which of the following animal disease ?

• A. Tularemia
• B. Foot-and-Mouth
• C. Rinderpest
• D. Rift Valley Fever

Hint:

Remember that Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) was the very first animal viral disease discovered (1898), shortly after tobacco mosaic virus was discovered as the first plant virus (1892).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This historical question in virology identifies the milestone discovery of the first animal virus.
Detailed Explanation:
- In 1898, the German scientists Friedrich Loeffler and Paul Frosch were investigating a highly contagious disease affecting livestock.
- They passed the vesicular fluid of infected animals through a Chamberland filter, which is designed to trap bacteria.
- They discovered that the filtered fluid was still highly infectious, proving that the causative agent was smaller than bacteria (a "filterable agent" or virus).
- This was the discovery of the Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus (FMDV), making it the first animal virus ever discovered.

Step 2: Final Answer:
The disease is Foot-and-Mouth disease, which corresponds to Option (B).