Which of the following is a criterion for a successful eradication program?

• A. Minimal diagnostic testing
• B. Large host range
• C. Effective diagnostic test for ID of carriers
• D. High cost to industry

Answer: (C)

The key idea is that eradicating a disease requires stopping transmission by finding and removing every infectious source, including individuals who harbor the agent without showing symptoms. An effective diagnostic test for identification of carriers is essential because carriers can spread the disease even when they appear healthy, so the program must reliably detect them across the population. A test with high sensitivity and specificity allows confident decisions about isolating, treating, or removing carriers and enables validation that transmission has been interrupted. Minimal diagnostic testing would miss carriers and fail to halt spread. A large host range would make eradication far more difficult since other species can maintain the infection. High cost to industry would hinder implementation and sustainability, not contribute to success.