An August report in the prestigious medical journal, The Lancet, found evidence that the currently spreading monkeypox virus can be transmitted from humans to dogs. While it is unknown if dogs or other domestic pets can be vectors for the spread of the monkeypox virus, the ability for dogs to obtain symptomatic infections from human companions increases that risk.
As a result, the CDC has updated its guidance on the monkeypox virus to include information about pets in the home. This includes avoiding contact with animals when infected with the monkeypox virus and ensuring that a pet does not come in contact with potentially contaminated items such as clothing, sheets, or towels.
At this time the report only covers the likely infection of one dog. While no cases in cats have been reported, cats are susceptible to the orthopoxvirus family that includes monkeypox.
As a result, the CDC has updated its guidance on the monkeypox virus to include information about pets in the home. This includes avoiding contact with animals when infected with the monkeypox virus and ensuring that a pet does not come in contact with potentially contaminated items such as clothing, sheets, or towels.
At this time the report only covers the likely infection of one dog. While no cases in cats have been reported, cats are susceptible to the orthopoxvirus family that includes monkeypox.
