What increases the risk of infection among animals?

Housing in close quarters significantly increases the risk of infection among animals because it facilitates the spread of pathogens from one individual to another. When animals are kept in close proximity, they are more likely to come into contact with bodily fluids, respiratory droplets, and other sources of contamination, leading to a higher likelihood of transmission of infectious diseases.

In crowded conditions, stress levels in animals can also increase, which can compromise their immune systems. A weakened immune response makes them more susceptible to infections. In addition, close quarters can hinder proper sanitation practices, making it difficult to control and manage potential outbreaks.

While diet, breed, and environmental factors can also impact an animal's overall health and immune function, housing conditions play a direct role in how easily diseases spread within a population of animals. Thus, the proximity of animals to one another is a primary factor in the risk of infectious disease transmission.