Monkeypox in Dogs and Cats - Contagion and Prevention

The disease known as monkeypox is due to infection from the monkeypox virus. This is a member of the genus of Orthopoxvirus viruses which also includes smallpox, camelpox and others. It is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to people. Despite the its name, monkeys are not the main reservoir of the virus. It is most commonly spread by small rodents such as squirrels, dormice, rats and mice.

Monkeypox was first detected in humans in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. To date, it has been considered an endemic disease in jungle areas of the African continent where thousands of cases occur each year. Outside of Africa, outbreaks had only been documented in the US, UK, Singapore and Israel. All prior outbreaks were linked to imported cases or contact with animals from endemic areas.

More recently in 2022, cases of this disease have been identified in various countries around the world. Spain, Portugal and the United Kingdom appear to be the most affected. The susceptibility of some animal species (e.g. rabbits, prairie dogs, hedgehogs and guinea pigs) has been shown in clinical environments and in some specific outbreaks. The currently available evidence about small mammals like dogs and cats is very limited.

Research points to a relatively low risk infection of cats and dogs. This is partly due to the fact no case of monkeypox has been reported in either animal. However, various national and international health authorities have recommended the isolation of all mammalian pets (especially rodents) that may have had contact with people who are sick or suspected of being infected. This is due to the risk potential for disease transmission from people to animals, even if it is not currently well understood.

Learn more about disease contagion between animals and humans with our guide to zoonotic diseases in dogs.

As we have already stated, the causal agent of monkeypox is a virus of the genus Orthopoxvirus. This is the same genus to which the smallpox virus belongs, the cause of a viral disease which was eradicated worldwide in 1980.

Monkeypox virus has two phylogenetic lineages (clades) associated with the two most affected regions of Africa:

• Central African clade: has been linked to a more serious and communicable disease.
• West African clade: apparently less pathogenic. The new outbreak appears to be associated with this lineage.

The laboratory test required to diagnose monkeypox is the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test. This is due to its high sensitivity and specificity. Other tests such as immunohistochemistry or electron microscopy can also be used.

Specifically, the samples required for diagnosis need to be taken from skin lesions. This can include scabs or fluid from vesicles or pustules.

Monkeypox transmission can occur by:

• Direct contact with blood, body fluids or skin lesions from infected individuals (including humans)
• Close contact with respiratory secretions of infected individuals
• Contact with contaminated objects (fomites)
• Consumption of meat from infected animals

Taking into account the possible transmission routes of the virus, we can infer that dogs and cats exposed to the greatest risk of infection are:

• Those who live with caregivers infected by the virus
• Those who exhibit hunting behaviors and may have access to rodents

Is monkeypox spread between animals and people?

As we have previously stated, monkeypox is a zoonotic disease. Contagion can occur from people to animals and vice versa. Although dogs and cats are not the most affected, it is equally important to take the preventive measures that we explain below.

There is currently no specific treatment for monkeypox. Antiviral agents such as tecovirimat that have recently been authorized for use against monkeypox due to their experimental efficacy. These will help slow the proliferation of the virus and encourage a suitable immune response.

Although there is no curative treatment, it is necessary to establish supportive therapy in infected patients to relieve symptoms, control complications and prevent sequelae. Support treatment is based on:

• Fluid therapy: to maintain the level of hydration.
• Treatment of skin lesions: to avoid secondary bacterial infections.
• Antibacterial drugs: in case of secondary bacterial infections.

As we have mentioned, to date no cases of monkeypox have been detected in dogs or cats. However, given the susceptibility of multiple animal species demonstrated both naturally and experimentally, health authorities have recommended adopting a series of preventive measures with all mammalian pets that have been potentially exposed to the virus.

The main prevention measures include:

• Quarantine: dogs and cats of caregivers infected with monkeypox must be quarantined for 21 days, so that they do not come into contact with other people or animals during this period.
  
  
• Monitoring: during quarantine, the health status of the animals must be monitored in order to detect possible symptoms compatible with infection (fever, anorexia, lethargy, skin lesions, etc.). Any sign of illness should be reported immediately to your veterinarian, who must notify the relevant animal health authorities.
  
  
• Cleaning and disinfection: all surfaces and utensils that may have been contaminated by the infected caregiver should be properly cleaned and disinfected. Smallpox virus is relatively resistant to physical and chemical inactivation, although effective disinfectants such as 1% sodium hypochlorite (bleach), 0.8% sodium hydroxide solution, quaternary ammonium compounds and 0.2% chloramine T are available.

As we cannot explain smallpox to animals, they are likely to have a negative response to quarantining. Limitations to their normal routine can be very stressful for companion animals. For example, we cannot take dogs outside for exercise and cats will need to remain indoors. For this reason, we also need to manage their emotional well-being. This includes improving their environmental enrichment, providing treats and finding ways to reduce their stress.

Take a look at our article on why a dog is stressed out a lot to learn more about what you can do.

This article is purely informative. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian if they are suffering from any condition or pain.

If you want to read similar articles to Monkeypox in Dogs and Cats - Contagion and Prevention, we recommend you visit our Infectious diseases category.