What should I do with my pet if I have monkeypox or have been in close contact?

This is the possible epidemiological role of pets in monkey disease: Recommendations for action in contact with infected persons“Prepared jointly by the Ministries of Health and Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

As both departments noted, in endemic areas of the virus – West and Central Africa -, the virus is maintained in nature “through its circulation between different mammals” and is believed to be the main reservoir of rodents: it is transmitted to humans through bites, scratches, or contact with any of its fluids in these areas.

But in Europe there are “no known cases of animal infection (wild or domesticated animal”; on that continent, the risk will depend on the presence of animals, such as rodents, in the virus’ favored host). theoretical transfer probability between humans and such animals

approved and people

For this reason, he recommends that people infected with monkeypox “avoid any contact.” domestic mammalsespecially with rodents (mice, rats, hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, squirrels, etc.), due to the possibility of human-animal transmission” during the maximum period of transmission of the virus, i.e. complete disappearance from the onset of symptoms and skin lesions.

They will also have to report Communication or by those affected that such rodents have public health services.

Meanwhile, close contacts should minimize contact with pets and wild animals and “take all possible precautions. avoid potential transfers“.

Both “have to give up habits like” hug or kiss petsor share food with them” and “Wash your hands before and after” To interact with them, wear a mask during your stay in common areas within the affected home and maintain a high level of general hygiene in the home with frequent cleaning of surfaces and floors.

What to do with dogs?

For themselves, animals that have been in close contact with confirmed human cases “They should remain in isolation during the maximum incubation period of the disease”at least 21 days from the last contact with the sick person or from the time of recovery.

“Isolation will be carried out in such a way as to provide an adequate level of protection in the home of the infected person. biosecurity This prevents the animal from being accidentally left out of the home, protecting the animal welfare and always with the least necessary treatment possible by the infected person.”

If these are dogs – he adds – they can be taken outside as soon as possible if needed. strap, nozzle Y avoid contact During this time, the animals’ health status will be monitored to detect possible symptoms or lesions consistent with infection.

In any case, the transport of both the animal and the materials used (bed, sand, feeders, drinkers…), “when appropriate, preferably by the person or persons vaccinated against smallpox, always using an FFP2 mask and gloves, and in the case of several members in the family setting.”

Waste Management

Guidelines for cleaning residues cages pets (mostly rodents) “can be a source of infection for wild animals, although unlikely”.

It is therefore necessary to “properly manage such residues” and spray them on. household disinfectants What bleach (especially animal litter waste) and place in hermetically sealed bags.

If an animal shows compatible symptoms, Official Veterinary Services The Community official will be responsible for collecting samples of suspected animals (skin lesion example: vesicular fluid, smear of vesicular lesions, exudates or scabs and swabs) that will be sent in a virus-containing environment and kept cold. to the Algete Central Veterinary Laboratory for analysis.

Laboratory personnel handling samples, or veterinarians who for any reason extract them from suspicious or sick pets, should also “protect themselves appropriately, risk managementand using masks, gloves, clothing that avoids contact with feet).