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Mpox

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What You Need To Know About Mpox


1) What is mpox?

Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is a viral zoonotic disease caused by infection with mpox virus. The virus occurs in animals primarily in the tropical rainforest areas of Central and West Africa and is occasionally exported to other regions. In areas where mpox is endemic in animals, the virus is thought to be maintained in nature through circulation among susceptible mammals, namely wild rodents (including squirrels and rats), with occasional spill-over to non-human primates and humans. 


2) How is mpox transmitted?

Direct close contact with an infected individual, by exposure to lesions and bodily fluids, is the main transmission route. Mpox can also be transmitted from infected animals to humans through bites, or contact/consumption of infected bushmeat. Contaminated surfaces may also play a role in transmitting the virus. 

The current wave of mpox affecting countries globally is driven by human-to-human transmission. No animal cases have been reported in association with the ongoing outbreak. For more on mpox in humans, please refer to Ministry of Health (MOH) for the most current information and recommendations at https://www.moh.gov.sg/diseases-updates/mpox).

 


3) Which animals can be affected?

Globally, various wild mammals have been shown to be susceptible to the virus that causes mpox. This includes rope squirrels, tree squirrels, Gambian pouched rats, dormice and non-human primates, among others. Mpox had also been reported overseas in 2003 in pet prairie dogs, which were initially infected by imported rodents.

 

As of Aug 2024, no pets or other domestic animals have been confirmed to have mpox in recent mpox outbreaks, and animals are unlikely to play a significant role in the disease transmission of mpox.

 

There has not been any detection of mpox in local wildlife to date. As with all wildlife encounters, please observe them from a distance. Do not attempt to touch, feed or approach wildlife.


4) Can I catch mpox from animals?

The current outbreak of mpox appears to be primarily driven by human-to-human transmission, and there have been no recent reports of animal-to-human transmission.

 

With Singapore’s stringent requirements for the import of animals, the risk of catching mpox from susceptible imported animals in Singapore is low. We have not detected any suspect cases of mpox in local animal populations as well. As the worldwide situation for mpox is evolving, AVS will continue to  monitor and review any new developments. AVS has also informed veterinary clinics and animal-related businesses through advisories on mpox.

 

It is recommended that you practise good hygiene when handling any animal, with thorough handwashing before and after direct contact with the animal, their supplies, food, and waste. If you are unwell, do limit your contact with animals and other people.


5) What clinical signs do animals with mpox show?

Signs of mpox in animals may include the following: 

  • Skin lesions (including rashes scabs, or itchy areas affecting part of or the entire body)

  • Increase in body temperature 

  • Reduced appetite 

  • lethargy, appearing dull or less alert)

  • Dehydration

  • Oral ulcers

  • Facial swelling

  • Conjunctivitis and/or eye discharge

  • Respiratory signs (including coughing, sneezing, dyspnoea, and/or nasal discharge)

  • Swollen lymph nodes

  • Diarrhoea

 

The appearance of clinical signs, including the presence of visible skin lesions, can vary depending on multiple factors, including the host species, host age, and the type of mpox virus. Some species are asymptomatic, especially species suspected of being reservoirs (rodents).


6) I suspect my pet has mpox. What should I do?

Please bring your pet to your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will assess the animal and inform AVS if they suspect mpox infection after ruling out other likely causes for the illness.


7) My pet has been diagnosed with mpox by a veterinarian. What should I do? 

If your pet has been diagnosed with mpox, your veterinarian will provide more detailed guidance on the management of your pet. AVS will work closely with your veterinarian to manage suspected and confirmed mpox cases in animals accordingly. These animals will require isolation for close observation and supportive care.


8) I am an animal handler / veterinary staff. How should I be handling animals suspected to have mpox?

When examining animals with suspected mpox, veterinary staff and animal handlers should:

  • Take precautions to avoid scratches and bites. 

  • Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after coming into contact with contaminated surfaces and the unwell animal.

  • Use a disposable gown and gloves for any contact with the sick animal and contaminated surfaces. Ideally, wear a NIOSH certified N95 respirator mask. If that is not available, wearing a surgical mask will protect you from large droplets.

  • Eye protection like a face shield or safety goggles should be worn if splash or spray of body fluids is expected.

  • Disinfect all contaminated surfaces and dispose waste as biohazardous waste.