CDC issues update on pets and monkey pox as dog test positive for the disease in France

The CDC has updated information regarding the risk of pets and monkey pox after a dog tests positive for the virus in France.

CDC notes below can be shared with your clients:

Infected animals can spread Monkeypox virus to people, and it is possible that people who are infected can spread Monkeypox virus to animals through close contact, including petting, cuddling, hugging, kissing, licking, sharing sleeping areas, and sharing food.

People with monkeypox should avoid contact with animals, including pets, domestic animals, and wildlife to prevent spreading the virus. If your pet is exposed to monkey pox:

• Do not surrender, euthanize, or abandon pets just because of a potential exposure or Monkeypox virus

• Do not wipe or bathe your pet with chemical disinfectants, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or other products, such as hand sanitizer, counter-cleaning wipes, or other industrial or surface cleaners.

If the person with monkeypox did NOT have close contact with pets after symptom onset, ask friends or family members who live in a separate home to be the animal’s caretaker until the person with monkeypox fully recovers. Close contact includes petting, cuddling, hugging, kissing, licking, sharing sleeping areas, and sharing food.

After the person with monkeypox is recovered, disinfect your home before bringing healthy animals back; follow Disinfecting Home and Other Non-Healthcare Settings.

Pets that had close contact with a symptomatic person with monkeypox should be kept at home and away from other animals and people for 21 days after the most recent contact. Infected people should not take care of exposed pets.The person with monkeypox should avoid close contact with the exposed animal, and when possible, ask another household member to care for the animal until the person with monkeypox is fully recovered.

In some cases, it may be necessary to isolate and care for animals that have been exposed to monkeypox in a location other than the home. For example, people who are immunocompromised, pregnant, have young children present (<8 years of age), or with a history of atopic dermatitis or eczema, should not provide care for animals that had close contact to a person with monkeypox as they may be at increased risk for severe outcomes from monkeypox disease.

If you have monkeypox and must care for your healthy pets during home isolation, wash your hands, or use an alcohol-based hand rub, before and after caring for them. It is also important to cover any skin rash to the best extent possible (i.e. long sleeves, long pants), and wear gloves and a well-fitting mask or respirator while providing care for your animals.

• Do not put a mask on your pet.

• Avoid close contact with your pet.

• Ensure your pet cannot inadvertently come into contact with contaminated articles in the home such as clothing, sheets, and towels used by the person with monkeypox.

• Do not let animals come into contact with rashes, bandages, and body fluids.

• Ensure food, toys, bedding, or other items that you provide for your animal during its isolation do not come in direct contact with skin or uncovered rash.