Monkeypox and Pets

Monkeypox has been declared a public health emergency. It is a disease of mammals and could therefore affect the health of humans, wild animals, and potentially some of our mammalian pets. The virus is in the pox family and is related to smallpox, though less severe. In humans, the incubation period is 7-14 days and signs include fever, swollen lymph nodes, and a characteristic rash. Additional signs can include chills, exhaustion, headache, muscle aches, backache, sore throat, nasal congestion, and/or cough. For more information on monkeypox in humans, please visit the CDC’s website or consult your healthcare provider. 

Nonhuman primates and African rodents can also become infected, though infection in the wild seems rare to date. The overall significance of infection in domestic animals remains uncertain. Under experimental conditions, rabbits and mice (but not guinea pigs or hamsters) can become infected. It is unclear if dogs or cats can become infected, but safest to assume it may be possible. Transmission to people may then be possible, but seems low risk. It is probably more likely that your pet would catch monkeypox from you. Transmission can occur through close contact between pets and people such as hugging, kissing/licking, sleeping in the same bed, etc. 

If you have been diagnosed with monkeypox, take precautions to protect your pet. If you did not have close contact with your pet after developing symptoms, have your pet stay with someone outside of your home until you have fully recovered. 

If you did have close contact with your pet after developing symptoms, keep your pet at home and away from people and other animals for 21 days after the most recent contact. If possible, have someone else in your home care for your pet until you are recovered. If there is someone in your home who is immunocompromised or otherwise at high risk of severe complications from infection, isolation of your pet outside your home may be advisable. 

Signs of monkeypox infection in animals can initially include non-specific signs of illness such as fever, lethargy, decreased appetite, cough, runny nose, and/or conjunctivitis. Eventually a pimple-like or blister-like rash develops. If your pet develops two or more of these signs (or even just the rash) within 21 days of exposure to someone with monkeypox, seek veterinary assistance. Please inform staff that possible monkeypox exposure occurred so that safety precautions can be taken to limit the spread of disease. 

Testing is available, though treatment is primarily supportive and symptomatic because there is no approved treatment for animals with monkeypox. Also note that although there is a vaccine for humans, there is no vaccine for animals. 

You may wish to visit the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)'s monkeypox page for additional information on monkeypox in animals. We are also happy to help if you have questions.

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Tuesday
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Friday
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Saturday
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