Summary
- Although the monkeypox virus (MPXV) is mainly transmitted from animals to humans, a variant of MPXV(clade IIb) that was detected in 2022 can be disseminated among human populations through direct and sexual contacts.
- Measures are being taken to determine whether MPXV could spread between humans and animals, with advice from the CDC on how to prevent its transmission.
- In the United States, a study of household transmission associated with companion animal susceptibility to MPXVcision was initiated.
- Although MPXV DNA was detected on t he skin/fur samples from dogs and cats, no observed virus viability was found (no live virus) in these common domestic animals.
- Based on these findings, the companion animal owners with mpox should avoid contacting their animals to prevent possible virus spillback until more data on MPXV receptivity of different wild and domesticated species are available.
Monkeypox is a disease that affects animals, primarily wild mammals in Africa. Recent research however has come out to suggest that the virus can spread from human to another, more likely with sexual intercourse The novel route of dissemination has provoked fears about a possible human outbreak.
To determine whether companion animals, such as dogs and cats are susceptible to monkeypox virus infection a study was recently conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), USA Investigators declared “live virus was not recovered” from any of the pets under investigation, nor had there been signs that they were exposed to SARS-CoV-2. Animal studies have shown that accidental infection of common companion animals with the monkeypox virus strain used in this study is unlikely.
Generally, the virus was detected in a few animals but there were no confirmed cases of clinical monkeypox disease among companion animal species. The study states that while the risk to infect companion animals is minimal, there is still a need for more standard infection control to prevent future person-to-person transmission of the virus. The study stresses also that proper hygiene interventions could reduce opportunities for interspecies spread. The results indicate that there may be a low risk of transmission to pets; however, it is critical for people who have monkeypox not interact with their companion animals in order to prevent possible spread.
Overall, more studies are needed to understand how potentially companion animals could become infected with monkeypox virus. In the meantime, people with monkeypox should take steps to help reduce contact between their pets in an effort to prevent possible spread of the virus. Compulsory precautionary measures and hygiene may reduce the infection of household pets.
Conclusively, the results imply that the more common household pets may not be susceptible to infection with a specific strain of the virus, but they are no basis for speculation on whether cats and dogs remain susceptile. So be careful and take recommended steps to guard against your pets catching the virus.
Infectious Diseases, Veterinary Medicine, Public Health & Prevention