People infected with the monkeypox virus should avoid contact with others, especially their pets. If close contact to an animal did not occur, isolation for at least 21 days is advised to reduce any risk of transmission.
This represents the possible epidemiological role of pets in monkeypox management: actions recommended for individuals exposed to infected persons. Joint guidance was prepared by the Ministries of Health and Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.
In areas where the virus is endemic, such as West and Central Africa, the virus is sustained in nature through circulation among various mammals and is believed to have rodents as a primary reservoir. Transmission to humans occurs through bites, scratches, or contact with fluids from these animals in these regions.
In Europe, there have been no documented animal infections in wild or domestic animals; risk assessment there depends on the presence of animals—especially rodents—in the virus’s favored hosts and the theoretical probability of transmission between humans and such animals.
approved and people
For this reason, experts advise that infected individuals avoid contact with domestic mammals, particularly rodents (mice, rats, hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, squirrels, and similar species), due to the potential for human-animal transmission during the virus’s peak contagious period, which spans from symptom onset to the resolution of skin lesions.
Affected persons should report any animal exposure or health concerns to public health services.
Meanwhile, close contacts are urged to minimize interaction with pets and wild animals and to take all practical precautions to prevent potential transfers.
Both infected individuals and their households should avoid habits like hugging or kissing pets or sharing food with them. They should wash hands before and after interacting with animals, wear a mask in common areas within the affected home, and maintain a high standard of hygiene with frequent cleaning of surfaces and floors.
What to do with dogs?
Animals that have been in close contact with confirmed human cases should remain isolated for the duration of the maximum incubation period, a minimum of 21 days from the last contact with the sick person or from the time of recovery.
Isolation should be managed to ensure the home environment protects the animal’s welfare while minimizing exposure, using the least necessary medical interventions by the infected person.
If dogs are involved, they may be taken outside if necessary, while secured and kept apart from direct contact. The animal’s health should be monitored for any signs consistent with infection during this period.
Transport of the animal and related items (bedding, litter, feeders, water bowls) should, when feasible, be handled by members who have been vaccinated against smallpox, using protective equipment such as an FFP2 mask and gloves, and ideally by multiple household members if available.
waste management
Guidelines for cleaning up waste from cages and rodents emphasize that residues can pose a risk to wild animals, albeit a low one.
Proper waste handling is essential. Disinfectants suitable for household use should be employed, with particular attention to animal litter and sealed in hermetically closed bags to prevent exposure.
If an animal shows compatible symptoms, Official Veterinary Services will coordinate sample collection from suspected animals. Examples include skin lesions or vesicular fluid, smears from lesions, exudates or scabs, and swabs. Samples are prepared for analysis in appropriate, controlled conditions and transported to designated laboratories for testing.
Laboratory personnel handling such samples, or veterinarians who extract them, should follow risk-management protocols and wear protective gear to minimize contact and exposure.