Which species is not susceptible to infection with FMD virus?

Which species is not susceptible to infection with FMD virus?

• A. Cattle
• B. Hedgehogs
• C. Pigs
• D. Horses

Answer: (B)

FMDV has a limited host range because it can only establish infection in species whose epithelial cells express compatible receptors and support viral replication. Hedgehogs are not susceptible because their cells don’t present the necessary receptors or cellular environment for the virus to gain entry and replicate, so they do not develop infection or disease in typical exposure scenarios. In contrast, classic farm animal hosts such as cattle and pigs reliably support FMDV infection and disease, which is why they are recognized as susceptible. This difference in cellular receptivity explains why hedgehogs stand out as not susceptible among the given options.

FMDV has a limited host range because it can only establish infection in species whose epithelial cells express compatible receptors and support viral replication. Hedgehogs are not susceptible because their cells don’t present the necessary receptors or cellular environment for the virus to gain entry and replicate, so they do not develop infection or disease in typical exposure scenarios. In contrast, classic farm animal hosts such as cattle and pigs reliably support FMDV infection and disease, which is why they are recognized as susceptible. This difference in cellular receptivity explains why hedgehogs stand out as not susceptible among the given options.