Which issue related to infestation is likely to damage dry-van and open-top cargo?

The issue related to infestation that is likely to damage dry-van and open-top cargo is indeed insects and rodents. Both insects and rodents can cause significant harm to stored cargo, particularly in dry-van containers where foodstuffs or other organic materials are present. Rodents can gnaw through packaging, leading to the contamination of cargo, while insects may invade and degrade the quality of the products, especially if they are agricultural goods, textiles, or paper products.

Insects can also introduce contamination and spoilage, which may lead to financial losses and the potential need to dispose of affected goods. Conducting inspections for signs of infestation is critical in container management to prevent these types of damages and ensure cargo integrity during transport and storage.

The other options, while relevant in a broader context, do not directly relate to infestation issues. Dust and dirt primarily affect the cleanliness and surface condition of cargo rather than causing infestations. Moisture and humidity are significant concerns for mold and rust but are not classified as infestation problems. Sunlight exposure can cause fading or deterioration, particularly in sensitive materials, but it does not relate to infestation by pests or animals.