What term best describes a disease caused by environmental conditions?

The term that best describes a disease caused by environmental conditions is non-infectious. Non-infectious diseases are those that are not caused by pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Instead, they arise from factors such as genetics, nutrition, toxins, or environmental stressors. In the context of beef production, non-infectious diseases might include conditions like chronic pneumonia resulting from poor ventilation, nutritional deficiencies, or other environmental insults.

Recognizing a disease as non-infectious helps in understanding its etiology and in taking appropriate preventive measures. For example, if a disease is identified as non-infectious due to inadequate nutritional practices, measures can be implemented to improve the diet of the cattle, reducing the incidence of related health issues. This distinction is critical for veterinarians and ranchers when developing management strategies to ensure animal health and productivity.