Mpox (monkeypox) and animals

On this page

• Risk of mpox (monkeypox) spreading between people and animals
• Animals susceptible to mpox (monkeypox)
• Pets and mpox (monkeypox)
• Signs of mpox (monkeypox) in animals
• Testing for mpox (monkeypox) in animals

Risk of mpox (monkeypox) spreading between people and animals

The spread of mpox (monkeypox) in Canada is a result of person-to-person transmission of the virus.

Animals don’t currently play a role in the spread of mpox in Canada. However, if humans do spread the virus to animals, it may become:

• established here in animals (known as an animal reservoir) and
• an ongoing source of mpox for humans

Until we know more, avoid all contact with animals if you have confirmed or suspected mpox and are contagious. This includes:

• pets
• wildlife
• livestock

The Public Health Agency of Canada is actively tracking, analyzing and investigating emerging science on mpox and animals.

Learn more about:

• How mpox (monkeypox) spreads from animals to humans

Animals susceptible to mpox (monkeypox)

Rodents and small mammals in Africa are thought to be reservoir hosts, including:

• dormice
• sun squirrels
• rope squirrels
• Gambian pouched rats

Other susceptible species include: 

• anteaters
• hedgehogs
• monkeys and apes
• some types of rabbits
• other small mammals, such as:
  • shrews
  • squirrels
  • chinchillas
  • groundhogs
  • prairie dogs

Details are still limited, but there have been a small number of international reports of dogs that:

• have tested positive for mpox
• developed lesions following close, direct contact with infected humans

Globally, there have been no reports of mpox in:

• wildlife such as:
  • foxes
  • skunks
  • raccoons
• pets such as cats
• livestock such as cows

However, all of these species can be infected with other kinds of orthopoxviruses that are related to mpox. Until we know more, we should assume that any mammal species could be infected with mpox.

Learn more about:

• List of animals that can be infected with mpox (monkeypox) (US Centre for Disease Control)

Pets and mpox (monkeypox)

Mpox primarily spreads to people or animals through direct contact with infected lesions or scabs. They may be found on any part of the body, such as the:

• face
• arms
• hands
• mouth
• anus
• rectum
• genitals
• legs
• feet

It can also spread through:

• contact with an infected body fluids, such as:
  • blood
  • saliva
• touching contaminated objects, fabric and surfaces

Some close contact activities that increase risk of spreading mpox between infected people and their pets include:

• petting
• kissing
• hugging
• sharing food
• sharing sleeping areas

Learn more about:

• How mpox (monkeypox) spreads

How to keep your pets safe

Follow the advice of your local public health authority if you:

• have mpox symptoms
• have been exposed to or diagnosed with mpox

Have another member of your household care for your animals until you are no longer contagious, which is when your:

• scabs have fallen off
• skin is healing and has a light pink or shiny pearl appearance

If this isn't possible, then at all times when caring for your animals:

• cover all lesions with clothing or bandages
• wear gloves and a well-fitting medical mask

You can also help to keep your animals safe if you:

• avoid close contact, and do not:
  • pet them without wearing gloves
  • let them lick you
  • snuggle or kiss them
  • share food with them
  • let them sit on your lap
• maintain good hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette by:
  • washing or sanitizing your hands regularly
  • covering coughs and sneezes with the bend of your arm or by wearing a well-fitting mask
• keep animals away from items that have come into contact with lesions, such as:
  • bedding
  • bandages
  • used tissues
  • leftover food
• keep your environment clean by cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and objects frequently touched by people and pets

Learn more about:

• Mpox (monkeypox): Symptoms, getting tested, what to do if you’re infected or were exposed

Caring for pets who may have mpox (monkeypox)

If you think your pet has been exposed to mpox, monitor them for 21 days after their last exposure.

This is similar to the incubation period for other orthopoxviruses that are related to mpox.

Call your veterinarian if your animal develops signs of mpox during this time or you have other concerns. Be sure to tell them your pet has been exposed to mpox.

If you’re caring for a pet that has been exposed, or is suspected or confirmed to have mpox, take precautions when handling the animal. Follow similar instructions as you would if caring for a person who has or may have mpox, including:

• minimizing the number of people in contact with the pet (ideally no more than 1 or 2)
  • the caregiver should not be someone who is considered at risk of more severe disease, including people who are:
    • pregnant
    • immunocompromised
    • under the age of 12 years
• avoiding close contact with the animal and their items (such as bed, toys, food bowl)
  • use gloves and clothing (long-sleeves) to minimize skin exposure
  • use well-fitting masks to help minimize respiratory exposure
• frequently cleaning and disinfecting high-contact surfaces
• handling soiled laundry and bedding with gloves, without shaking or moving it in a way that may spread infectious particles
  • wash soiled laundry in a standard washing machine using hot water and detergent
  • completely dry your laundry in a dryer
• frequently washing or sanitizing your hands

If your pet develops signs, or is confirmed to be infected with the virus, keep them away from other people and animals for whichever period is longer:

• Until they’re fully recovered.
• At least 21 days after the onset of their signs.
• Isolation periods may be longer for certain species like rodents.

If possible, keep pets restricted to one area of the house and keep small, caged pets (such as rodents) in their enclosures.

Keep cats indoors at all times. Keep dogs on a leash at all times when leaving the home, and avoid areas where other animals or children might be, like parks.

Avoid moving exposed or infected animals to another household. This increases the risk of potentially spreading the virus to other places, people and animals.

Bag and dispose of any waste in a secure bin that wild animals cannot access. This includes:

• feces
• litter
• bedding
• leftover food

Learn more about:

• Providing care at home for someone with mpox (monkeypox) infection
• Mpox (monkeypox): Recommendations on hand and environmental hygiene

Signs of mpox (monkeypox) in animals

Some signs of mpox that have been reported in different animal species include:

• fever
• diarrhea
• sneezing
• coughing
• wheezing
• appetite changes
• swollen lymph nodes
• conjunctivitis (red eye) or discharge from eyes
• skin changes, such as rashes, blisters and pimples (which may or may not appear itchy)

Not all animals will develop a rash or skin changes. Some may show no signs at all.

Testing for mpox (monkeypox) in animals

Call your veterinarian if your animal appears sick within 21 days of having contact with a person who has or is suspected to have mpox.

They will give you further instructions and tell you if your pet needs to go to a clinic for testing.

Related links

• Veterinary Clinics and Mpox (monkeypox)
• Mpox (monkeypox) Key Facts (World Health Organization)
• Mpox in Animals (US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
• Questions and Answers on Mpox (monkeypox) in Animals (World Organisation for Animal Health)