Mpox Advice for Pet Owners
Advice for pet owners and other animal keepers regarding mpox (previously known as monkeypox) cases in Northern Ireland (NI).
Mpox is an infectious disease that is caused by infection with a virus called MPXV. It is possible that pet animals may come into close contact with people infected by mpox. Mpox does not spread easily between people unless there is close contact. It can enter the body through broken skin, the respiratory tract or mucous membranes. Although it is thought that animals are not easily infected by a positive person, infection would be via the same routes.
There is no evidence of mpox currently affecting pets in NI. Human-to-human transmission is likely to be responsible for any spread of disease in people in NI. Pets, which have been in contact with an infected owner, may act as a carrier (fomite) of the virus on their fur for some time, just as the virus can persist in a suitable environment.
If you think you may have been in contact with someone affected by mpox, suspect that you are infected with mpox or have tested positive, then you should take precautions to stop other people and animals from becoming inadvertently infected. If you have not already done so, you should seek medical advice. You should wash your hands regularly, including before and after coming into contact with animals and pets. In general, should minimise contact with your pet and your pet’s items such as bedding, bowls, water bottles, feeders and toys.
Further advice to minimise transmission of infection can be found at:
Monkeypox: background information - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Pets from Households with a Confirmed or Suspected Case of Mpox
Households with a person confirmed or suspected to be infected with mpox should follow guidance issued by their doctor. As part of their risk assessment, the Public Health Agency (PHA) will ask you if there are any pets in your household. This information may be passed to the relevant DAERA veterinarian. For contact details for PHA, please see the PHA website.
The briefing note below provides further information for pet owners:
Advice for pet owners isolating because of Monkey Pox (defra.gov.uk)