Which statement best describes hardware disease?

• A. Injury to internal organs caused by ingestion of metal objects
• B. A skin infection
• C. A respiratory disease
• D. An allergic reaction to feed

Answer: (A)

Hardware disease happens when metal objects that an animal has swallowed, like nails or wire, injure internal organs, most commonly by puncturing the lining of the reticulum and causing inflammation or infection that can spread to nearby structures such as the diaphragm or heart. That’s why the best description is injury to internal organs caused by ingestion of metal objects. The other options describe problems in different body systems—skin, lungs, or an immune reaction to feed—not the physical harm caused by swallowed metal. Prevention and treatment often involve using a magnet to attract metal and avoiding contaminated feed and environments.