Monkeypox

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Monkeypox in Animals

Monkeypox virus（MPXV）was first isolated and identified in monkeys in 1959. Although found in non-human primates, the diversity and range of animal hosts remain unknown. The main animal hosts of MPXV are thought to include a number of small mammals, such as squirrels, rats, and savanna groundhogs because they are thought to sustain the virus in West and Central African environments.

Fig. 1 Transmission of MPXV of animal origin. (Song T Z and Zheng Y T, 2022)

About Monkeypox in Animals

Table 1 Basic introduction to monkeypox in animals.

Items	Overview
Animal hosts	In addition to rodents, nonhuman primates and humans may also be infected hosts. Whether reptiles, amphibians, or birds can be infected with monkeypox has not been specifically studied, but it seems to be unlikely.
Infection symptoms	Not all animals develop a rash when they are infected with monkeypox. Small mammals can carry the virus, sometimes without obvious symptoms. Non-human primates can become infected with monkeypox and show signs of disease just like humans do.
Propagation paths	Animal-to-animal - Different pathways in nature. Animal-to-human - Through hunting and eating game or contact with live or dead animals. Human-to-animal - It is possible for an infected human to transmit the monkeypox virus to an animal through close contact.
Viral carriers	Rashes (crusts, scabs, or bodily fluids) Infected body fluids (including respiratory secretions) Urine and feces

Susceptibility of Different Species to MPXV

Table 2 The receptivity/susceptibility of animal species to MPXV. (Haddad N, 2022)

Species	Susceptibility	Potential Role	Interactions with Humans
African squirrels	Susceptible to very susceptible	Potential reservoir hosts	In Africa - hunting and bush meat Outside of Africa - contact with/eating bush meat
Prairie dogs	Very susceptible	Non-African hosts with reservoir potential	Essentially in the USA
Red squirrel	Very susceptible at high dose	-	Almost nil
Wild African animals	Very susceptible	Potential reservoir hosts	In Africa - hunting and bush meat Outside of Africa - contact with/eating bush meat
Wild American mammals	Very susceptible	Non-African hosts with reservoir potential	Almost nil and only in America
African and Asian NHP	Susceptible to very susceptible	Accidental hosts	In Africa - hunting and bush meat Outside of Africa - Nil except for zoos and, rarely, research laboratories
Domestic carnivores	No data	No role or accidental hosts or Potential spillover host	Direct and indirect contact
Ruminants	No data	No role or accidental hosts	Direct and indirect contact

Challenges and Responses to Animal Monkeypox

Transmission of MPXV to humans is easier and more direct from wildlife and domestic animals than humans. A variety of wildlife, including nonhuman primates, rodents, and small mammals have been shown to support natural MPXV infection. For animal monkeypox, the following measures can be taken for surveillance and prevention:

Establish wildlife collection sites
Limit the importation of rodents and primates
Conduct imported animal-specific antibody and virus DNA testing
Avoid direct and unprotected contact with wild or imported animals

References

Song T Z and Zheng Y T. Monkeypox, wild animals, and potential big problem. Zool Res, 2022;43(4):612-614.
Haddad N. The presumed receptivity and susceptibility to monkeypox of European animal species. Infectious Diseases Now, 2022, 52(5): 294-298.
Harapan H, et al. Monkeypox: A Comprehensive Review. Viruses, 2022, 14, 2155.

We DO NOT PROVIDE ANY PRODUCTS OR SERVICES DIRECTLY TO PATIENTS. All of our products are for Research Use Only (RUO), NOT intended for diagnostic, therapeutic, or clinical use.