Mpox Advice for Private Veterinary Practitioners

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 MPXV currently affecting pets in the NI. Human-to-human transmission is likely to be responsible for any spread of disease in people in the 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 an individual suspects that they are infected with mpox or have tested positive, then they should take precautions to stop other people and animals from becoming inadvertently infected. If they have not already done so, they should seek medical advice. The briefing note below provides further information and is applicable to all PVPs:

Advice to Veterinarians (and their clients) on Pets and Monkey Pox (defra.gov.uk)