What is a "vector-borne disease"?

A vector-borne disease is defined as any illness that is transmitted to humans or animals through vectors, which are typically living organisms that carry and spread pathogens. Common examples of such vectors include mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas. These organisms can harbor infectious agents such as viruses, bacteria, or parasites and can transmit them to humans or other animals through bites or other forms of contact.

In the context of public health and vector control, recognizing the role of vectors in disease transmission is essential for implementing effective prevention and control measures. By understanding how specific diseases are transmitted through these vectors, technicians can develop strategies to manage populations of the vectors and reduce the incidence of related diseases.

The other options describe specific causes of diseases or limitations in host range, but they do not accurately capture the definition of vector-borne diseases, which is fundamentally centered around the role of vectors in the transmission process.