Source
Morgan CN, Wendling NM, Baird N, et al. One Health investigation into mpox and pets, United States. Emerg Infect Dis. 2024;30(10):2025-2032. doi:10.3201/eid3010.240632
Research Note
Humans with mpox, an illness caused by zoonotic monkeypox virus (MPXV), are considered infectious until lesions are fully healed. Animals in close contact with infected humans and their environment may have higher risk for exposure.
This One Health study investigated susceptibility and risk for MPXV transmission from humans to pets. Blood samples and/or swabs were collected from 24 dogs, 9 cats, 1 rabbit, and pet-associated objects (eg, bedding, food bowls) in homes with probable or confirmed infectious humans, and PCR was used to test for MPXV and human DNA. When possible, blood samples from pets were also tested for Orthopoxvirus antibodies via ELISA.
Despite 12% of pet and 25% of environment swabs testing positive for MPXV DNA, no Orthopoxvirus antibodies or viable MPXV were detected. Evidence suggested that the presence of MPXV DNA in pet samples was the result of DNA contamination from infected humans. Infectious humans, particularly those with pets in small living spaces, should limit interactions with animals until more information on susceptibility of animals to mpox is available.
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