What term is used to describe animals that carry infectious diseases without showing signs of illness?

The term that describes animals which harbor infectious diseases yet do not exhibit any symptoms of illness is "carriers." Carriers can transmit pathogens to other animals or humans through various means, even when they themselves appear healthy. This is critical in understanding the dynamics of disease transmission, as carriers can play a significant role in outbreaks without being identified as a source of infection.

Hosts, on the other hand, typically refer to organisms that support the survival and development of a parasite or pathogen, often resulting in disease symptoms. Vectors are organisms, like mosquitoes or ticks, that transmit pathogens from one host to another, while fomites are inanimate objects or surfaces that can harbor infectious agents and aid in their transmission. Understanding these definitions is essential for effective veterinary care and disease management in laboratory settings.