Monkeypox in Animals and Pets

Overview

Monkeypox is a zoonotic disease, which means it can spread between animals and people. The exact source of monkeypox in nature is not known, but it is believed that small mammals, such as rope and sun squirrels, giant-pouched rats, and African dormice may carry the virus in parts of West and Central Africa.

People can get infected with the virus through direct contact with infected animals, often while hunting, trapping, and processing infected animals or their body parts and fluids. Small mammals can carry the virus without symptoms, while non-human primates like monkeys can get sick with monkeypox and have signs of disease like humans.

In 2003, an outbreak of monkeypox in domesticated prairie dogs occurred after they shared bedding and caging with a shipment of infected small mammals from West Africa. This led to 47 human cases in six states in the United States. This was the first time that human monkeypox was reported outside of Africa. Separating animals and people who are infected or have been exposed to monkeypox can help stop monkeypox from spreading further.

Facts

What we know about monkeypox in animals

• Monkeypox can infect a wide range of mammal species in areas where monkeypox naturally occurs, or is endemic. These areas are in West and Central Africa, and the animals include monkeys, anteaters, hedgehogs, prairie dogs, squirrels, and shrews.
• We are still learning which species of animals can get infected with monkeypox. While we do not know if reptiles, amphibians, or birds can get monkeypox, it is unlikely since these animals have not been found to be infected with other orthopoxviruses.
• Not all animals have a rash when they have monkeypox.
• Infected animals can spread the virus that causes monkeypox to people and other animals, and it is possible that people who are infected can spread the virus that causes monkeypox to animals through close contact.
• The virus can be found in the rash caused by monkeypox (scabs, crusts, fluids) and infected body fluids, including respiratory secretions, and potentially in urine (pee) and feces (poop).

What we know about monkeypox in pets

• We don't know for sure if pets like dogs and cats can be infected with monkeypox, but it may be possible.
• People with monkeypox could possibly spread the virus to pets through close contact, including petting, cuddling, hugging, kissing, licking, sharing sleeping areas, and sharing food.

No pets or other animals were confirmed to have monkeypox during the global monkeypox outbreak that began in 2022.

Best practices

How to care for pets if you have monkeypox

• If you have monkeypox, avoid contact with animals, including pets, domestic animals, and wildlife to prevent spreading the virus.
  • Ask friends or family members who live in a separate home to care for your animals until you fully recover. After you recover, clean and disinfect your home before bringing healthy animals back.
• People who are at increased risk for severe monkeypox should not care for animals that had close contact with a person with monkeypox. This includes
  • People with weakened immune systems
  • Pregnant people
  • Young children
  • People with a history of atopic dermatitis or eczema

Steps to take if you think your pet has monkeypox

• Possible symptoms of monkeypox in pets include rash, lethargy, lack of appetite, coughing, bloating, nasal and/or eye secretions or crust, fever, and/or pox-like skin sores (may initially resemble a pimple or blister first).
• If your pet had close contact with a person with probable or confirmed monkeypox and they have a new rash or two other symptoms, get your pet tested for monkeypox.
• Call your veterinarian if you notice an animal appears sick within 21 days after contact with a person with probable or confirmed monkeypox. A veterinarian can help notify your state public health veterinarian or state animal health official, who can assist with getting high-risk pets tested.
• Separate the sick animal from other pets and animals.
• Limit direct contact between the animal and people for at least 21 days until they are fully recovered or a veterinarian tells you it's safe.
• Wash your hands often and wear clothing that covers your skin when caring for and cleaning up after sick animals. Wash your clothes after caring for sick animals.
• Disinfect animal bedding, enclosures, food dishes, and any other items in direct contact with infected animals.
• Do not shake soiled laundry and bedding (including disposable rodent bedding).

Monkeypox in pets and other animals

We are still learning about which mammals can be infected with monkeypox virus. We should assume any mammal can be infected. The table shows which animals can be infected with monkeypox virus or other closely related orthopoxviruses.

*Indicates that not all animals of this type are susceptible, this may vary by species, and variety or strain of the animal.

^†One published report suggests dogs may be susceptible to monkeypox virus. However, follow-up investigations did not establish disease in the reported animal. Further research and surveillance are needed to determine whether dogs are susceptible.