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Mpox (monkeypox)
From Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
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Mpox (monkeypox) is the disease which results from infection by Mpox (monkeypox) virus. Mpox (monkeypox) is a zoonotic disease meaning that the virus has the potential to spread between animals and humans.
The Mpox (monkeypox) virus’s full host range is uncertain. Animals known to be susceptible to infection are monkeys and apes, various rodents, shrews and other small mammals.
Mpox (monkeypox) infection has been reported in a dog found in close proximity to infected humans.
Yes. Mpox (monkeypox) virus is endemic (meaning that it is known to be consistently circulating in an area) in western and central Africa (the Congo Basin). The virus circulates in wild animals hosts and from time to time affects humans.
Isolated human cases have been known to occur in other countries, usually as a result of travel.
Mpox (monkeypox) viruses have been found in skin lesions and many bodily fluids of animals e.g urine, faeces, saliva, nasal secretions and discharge from the eyes.
Likely routes of spread to animals include inhalation, contact with breaks in the skin or by eating infecting material. Scabs shed during the recovery phase have been found to contain significant amounts of infectious virus.
Humans can become infected through bites from infected animals, in aerosols during close contact, by direct contact with lesions, blood or bodily fluids.
Reported incubation periods (which is the time from when the animal has become infected to the time they start showing signs of disease) range from 3 days to 2 weeks in most cases.
Clinical signs of disease can be non-specific, but may include the following:
• Skin lesions which eventually scab over
• Fever
• Depression/lethargy
• Reduced appetite
• Respiratory signs e.g. discharge from the nose, sneezing, coughing
• Mouth ulcers
• Discharge from the eyes or reddening of the eyes
Please consult our Frequently Asked Questions document regarding Mpox (monkeypox) for animal owners.
Generally, Mpox (monkeypox) infection in pets is expected to be mild, self-limiting and non-fatal and would likely not require treatment. However supportive veterinary treatment may be required for management of clinical signs. In such incidences, please contact your veterinary practitioner.
To prevent transmission to other humans and animals, you must:
• Avoid close contact with your pet(s). It is important that you avoid handling your pet.
• Hygiene precautions should be taken when preparing your pet’s food, bedding or litter.
• Keep your pet(s) indoors away from other humans and animals:
o Pets such as dogs may be brought outside for toileting purposes, if you have an outside enclosed space which is securely fenced.
o Animal faeces should be hygienically removed from the environment.
Information on Mpox (monkeypox)is subject to change as further information becomes available. The following websites provide additional information on Mpox (monkeypox)virus and are frequently updated:
- HSE
- HPSC
- World Health Organisation
- EFSA
- OIE