Mpox in Animals

Mpox is a zoonotic disease, meaning that it can spread between animals and people. While the animal reservoir is unknown, small mammals (e.g. rope and sun squirrels, giant-pouched rats, African dormice) are thought to maintain the virus in the environments 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 the infected body parts and fluids of animals. Small mammals can carry the virus, sometimes without apparent symptoms, while non-human primates can get sick with mpox and have signs of disease like humans. In 2003, an outbreak of mpox 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 6 states in the United States. Instances of animal-to-animal and animal-to-person spread, such as the 2003 outbreak, demonstrate the need to reduce the risk of secondary infections to and from animals by isolating infected people as well as exposed and infected animals.  

What we know about mpox in animals

• Mpox virus can infect a wide range of mammal species, including monkeys, anteaters, hedgehogs, prairie dogs, squirrels, and shrews.
• We are still learning which species of animals can get mpox. While we do not know if reptiles, amphibians, or birds can get mpox, it is unlikely since these animals have not been found to be infected with other orthopoxviruses.
• Not all animals may have a rash when they have mpox.
• Infected animals can spread mpox virus to people, and it is possible that people who are infected can spread mpox virus to animals through close contact, including petting, cuddling, hugging, kissing, licking, sharing sleeping areas, and sharing food.
• Mpox virus can be found in the rash caused by mpox (scabs, crusts, fluids) and infected bodily fluids, including respiratory secretions, and potentially in urine and feces.

Mpox in pets and other animals

We are still learning about which mammals are susceptible to infection. We should assume any mammal can be infected with mpox virus. The table shows which animals can be infected with mpox 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 mpox 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.