Can Monkeypox Virus Transmit to Pets? Experts Say Rodents Most At Risk

Monkeypox has already been detected in about ten states in the country. According to studies, the disease brought by the virus could attack the system of not just humans, but animals as well. Some of the transitions recorded are even passed on through contact with infected animals. With that said, experts say that we should take care of the health of our pets to protect both them and us from the surging outbreaks.

Could Monkeypox Attack Animals?

Animals could be infected with monkeypox. UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine specialist Jane Sykes explained that the term for the viral infection is a misnomer since monkeys are not the usual target of the disease.

Cornell University's epidemiology and public health expert Isac Weisfuse also cleared the misunderstanding about the monkeypox, saying that monkeys have a chance to get the virus through transmission, but they are not necessarily linked to the ongoing infections.

Both of the experts said that a separate creature, particularly the African rodents, is much likely the natural reservoir of the virus, TODAY reports.

The animals that belong to the specified group were also the ones involved in the previous monkeypox outbreak that occurred in 2003. This event caused a spread that resulted in 47 cases in six various states in the US.

According to investigations, this outbreak started from a shipment of African rodents that were kept in contact with prairie dogs. These dogs were then distributed across the country as pets, Weisfuse said. Because of the implications of the past cases, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) still implements strict regulations regarding the import of African rodents up to this date.

In a study from the Bulletin of the World Health Organization, titled "Susceptibility of some rodent species to monkeypox virus, and course of the infection", it was established that the monkeypox virus tends to infect mice and rabbits the most. But despite the findings, the 1976 research was conducted quite a long time ago, Sykes said.

Rodents, House Pets, and Isolation of Infected Owners

The problem with rodents, however, is still a big concern, as it could eventually become endemic in other groups such as squirrels that populate many areas, Weisfuse explained. There might not be significant impacts on the health of the squirrels, but the virus could somehow 're-emerge' when a transmission between animals and humans takes place, the expert added.

Weisfuse said that the level of concern of pet owners should be low, even close to zero. But when an owner was diagnosed with the disease or simply had the possibility of being infected, they should isolate themselves from other individuals as well as from their pets.

The health guidelines from CDC, UK Health Security Agency, and the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control strongly recommend that monkeypox patients should maintain their distance away from the animals living with them in the same house.

The UKHSA adds that pet owners who have monkeypox should temporarily take their animals out of their homes in a span of 21 days following the detection of the virus.

Although evidence shows that there is more chance for the virus to infect rodents rather than cats, dogs, and other animals, the international health agencies say that it is still best to avoid any contact with any types of pets, MSN reports.

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