ABSTRACT
Mechanical transmission of disease agents occurs when arthropods physically transport pathogens from one place or host to another via body parts. A wide variety of arthropod and vertebrate pests may be involved in mechanical transmission of disease agents, including ants, beetles, cockroaches, flies, and rodents. For example, ants, flies, and cockroaches have numerous hairs, spines, and setae on their bodies that may pick up contaminants as the insects feed on dead animals or excrement. When they subsequently walk on food, food preparation surfaces, or other sensitive areas, mechanical transmission can occur. The most important control measure for any of these insect or rodent mechanical transmitters of disease agents is to find and eliminate their breeding sites. Secondly, protecting food and food preparation surfaces from arthropod and rodent pests is important to prevent mechanical transmission of diseases. Prevention and exclusion of pests should be emphasized. Once inside, flies, ants, and cockroaches may pick up germs on contaminated surfaces and transfer them to sensitive areas.
