Established June 13, 2003
The HSUS has long held the position that wild animals are not suitable pets. This philosophy is based on both humane concerns, and the risks these animals pose to the health and safety of pet owners and the public at large. The recent outbreak of monkeypox virus in the United States, the first outbreak of the disease ever to occur in the Western Hemisphere, serves as a grave and clear reminder of the dangers of keeping wild animals as companion animals.
The onset of illness among people in the United States began in early May. The viral disease apparently entered the country with a shipment of rodents from Africa imported for the pet trade earlier this year. Some prairie dogs captured in the U.S. for the pet trade were exposed after capture to imported African rodents when the animals were housed in the same animal-holding facility or pet shop.
In response to the threat to public health, the Department of Health and Human Services has banned rodent imports from Africa, as well as the U.S. trade in African rodents and prairie dogs. Detailed information is provided as part of the CDC's Embargoed African Rodents and Monkeypox Virus fact sheet.
Types of Animals Affected
The animals recently infected by monkeypox are: Gambian giant pouched rats, prairie dogs, and rabbits. However, the entire spectrum of animals that may become ill with monkeypox is currently unknown; as a precaution, all mammals should be considered susceptible at this time and evaluated for the symptoms noted below.
Animal Symptoms
The symptoms of a sick animal include: listlessness, ocular and nasal discharges, cough, hair loss sometimes accompanied by scabs, and pneumonia. Look for nodules similar to mosquito bites and inflammation of the lymph glands. We recognize that these symptoms are common in shelter animals, but shelters should be concerned if these symptoms appear in the above listed species. As of now, no dog or cat is known to have been infected. However, extra care should be taken in evaluating the health of all animals entering the facility.
Animals Possibly Entering Your Facility
The HSUS does not recommend admitting any animal that is suspected of having monkeypox virus. If you are presented with or receive a phone call about an animal suspected of infection or exposure to a potentially infected animal, either you or the owner should contact the local or state health department immediately for instructions on how to proceed. The HSUS recommends that agencies develop a standard operating procedure so all staff understand the agency's protocol relating to monkeypox. The HSUS suggests that only certain trained staff respond to calls from concerned pet owners so that the instructions are clear and consistent. Knowing the origins of the suspect animal can be very helpful in determining potential exposure and risk.
Suggested Operating Procedures for Shelters for Monkeypox Outbreaks
1. Obtain as much information on this issue as possible.
2. Meet with key staff and develop written response protocol for staff safety.
3. Make sure protocols developed address all aspects of the agency's possible interaction with suspect animals:
a. Loose animals in the community
b. Calls from owners concerned about a potentially sick pet
c. Animals left in overnight depositories
d. Staff equipment needed to interact with suspect animals
e. Euthanasia procedures
4. Meet with the area health department and coordinate a local community plan.
5. Post information on your agency's website.
6. Schedule ongoing meetings with shelter staff and volunteers to keep staff informed.
Suspect Animals in the Care of a Shelter
The CDC is recommending specific quarantine protocols for agencies housing suspect animals—read Monkeypox Infections In Animals: Updated Interim Guidance for Veterinarians and refer specifically to the information on Infection Control Precautions. However, most shelters do not have the ability to provide this level of quarantine and The HSUS suggests that shelters not attempt to house any suspect animal. The HSUS recommends that animals exhibiting any symptoms of monkeypox, or those that have potentially been exposed to the disease, should be euthanized.
Specific Handling Precautions
When examining, handling, or euthanizing sick rodents, rabbits, prairie dogs, Gambian giant pouched rats, or any ill mammal known to have been in contact with a case of monkeypox or exhibiting any symptom, follow these guidelines from the CDC.
Transport of Ill Animals
Any animal suspected of illness should be transported in a separate area of the vehicle, away from other animals and people, and in a container that can be disinfected. The area of the vehicle occupied by the animal should be immediately disinfected after the animal has been removed.
Disposition of Animals with Suspected Monkeypox
Due to the concerns about monkeypox, euthanasia of suspect and known cases is recommended. The HSUS suggests placing the animal in a squeeze cage using gloves; an injection IP with sodium pentobarbital is the recommended method for euthanasia. Carcasses should be triple-bagged, tagged, and frozen. The agency should contact the local health department for possible necropsy instructions. Under no circumstances should necropsy, skin scrapings, biopsy, or any other tests be conducted by shelter staff or by any veterinarian unless instructed by the local health department authority. All clothing, masks, gloves, and other items used while handling the animal should be bagged and disposed of at either an incinerator or through the agency's regular hazardous waste process. Staff should follow the precautions relating to safety and personnel protection provided by the CDC.
For More Information On…
Shelter Related Questions: Contact Kim Intino, HSUS, 202-452-1100
Vaccinations for Animal Shelter Personnel: Click here for information from the CDC.
Monkeypox Fact Sheet: Click here to view this resource from the CDC.
Locating Your State Health Department: The CDC website includes a list of State and Local Health Departments (scroll halfway down the page).
