Monkeypox virus: Human-to-dog transmission evidence discovered

The Italian greyhound showed symptoms to the viral disease, shortly after its owners tested positive in a Paris hospital in early June.

The owners had developed ulcers and lesions from monkeypox, but continued to let their dog sleep in their bed.

Twelve days later the dog started showing symptoms.

A report published by The Lancet said DNA sequencing showed the dog tested positive to the same type of monkeypox as one of its owners.

"To the best of our knowledge, the kinetics of symptom onset in both patients and, subsequently, in their dog suggest human-to-dog transmission of monkeypox virus," the report said.

"Our findings should prompt debate on the need to isolate pets from monkeypox virus-positive individuals."

The report states that in endemic countries monkeypox has been found in wild rodents and primates; and in captive primates in Europe.

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"Transmission of monkeypox virus in prairie dogs has been described in the USA," the report said.

On July 23, the World Health Organisation declared the monkeypox outbreak a public health emergency of international concern.

Australia's first ever case of monkeypox was detected on May 20, 2022.

Transmission of monkeypox occurs when a person comes into contact with the virus from an infectious animal or human, or with materials contaminated with the virus (fomites).

Australia's Department of Health and Aged Care said transmission occurs through broken skin (even if not visible), or mucous membranes (respiratory tract, conjunctiva, nose, mouth, or genitalia).

It may occur through contact with infectious material from skin lesions of an infected person, through respiratory droplets in prolonged face-to-face contact, or through fomites.

It remains unclear whether the virus can be transmitted through semen or vaginal fluids. Aerosol-generating procedures are also a transmission risk.

The monkeypox virus is part of the same family of viruses as variola virus which causes smallpox. It is a rare viral illness that can become serious. For most people, symptoms will clear up on their own after two to four weeks.