No Reported Cases Of Deadly Mpox Strain In Animals – WOAH
The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has said that no case of the deadly clade 1b Mpox strain has been reported in animals since the beginning of the current outbreak.
Mpox is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted between animals and humans. While humans can contract Mpox from animals, humans can also transmit the infection to animals.
Clade 1b is the more severe and transmissible genetic variant of the two main genetic groups of the Mpox virus. It has been responsible for the majority of cases in the current global outbreak, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo, DRC.
In a statement, WOAH, said that it is closely watching the rapid spread of the more severe Mpox strain among humans due to the zoonotic origin of the virus.
The body explained that although Mpox was not a listed disease before the recent outbreak, it is now officially classified as a notifiable disease by many health organizations worldwide; hence, Member States are encouraged to report identified cases.
Further, WOAH urged for the consideration of Mpox as a differential diagnosis in animals showing clinical signs of the disease with a history of previous exposure to human cases.
The statement reads: “The recent outbreak of the novel strain of mpox (clade 1b) in humans from a growing number of African countries, as well as rare instances in Asia and Europe, has prompted the World Health Organisation, WHO, to declare it a public health emergency of international significance.
“The current upsurge in the novel strain of mpox (clade 1b) in humans from a growing number of countries in Africa, along with sporadic cases in Asia and Europe, has led to its classification as a public health emergency of international concern by the WHO.
“First discovered in 1958, Mpox is caused by an orthopoxvirus called the monkeypox virus (MPXV). Endemic to West and Central Africa, the virus is found in both animals (rodents, non-human primates, and other mammals) and humans.”
WOAH observed that Mpox can cause clinical signs like skin lesions, scabs, fever, and swollen lymph nodes in both animals and humans and, in some cases, does not cause any apparent clinical signs.
“MPXV can be transmitted from animals to humans, as well as from humans to animals. As of August 23, 2024, WOAH has not received any confirmed reports of MPXV clade 1b in animals.
“Although WOAH Members are required to officially notify listed diseases, and MPXV is not a listed disease, they are encouraged to inform WOAH about the identification of MPXV in animals.
“WOAH is responding to this challenge by actively encouraging its Members to report confirmed cases of mpox in animals, as well as to take appropriate risk mitigation measures.
“To reduce the risk of human to animal transmission, WOAH has developed guidance for various risk groups. To raise awareness on the topic, WOAH has also developed a set of online resources, including prevention and diagnosis strategies for animals.
“In addition, WOAH is constantly consulting its Reference Centres and expert groups on mpox and emerging diseases, while collaborating with its partners like WHO to take a One Health approach.
Among other recommendations, WOAH said it could be contacted via [email protected] about the occurrence of cases of Mpox in animals and the submission of genetic sequences to public databases.
“Member States are also to consult WOAH’s resources and guidance to reduce the risk of mpox in animals, while ensuring effective coordination and communication using a One Health approach, between wildlife services, veterinary services, and public health services.
*WOAH calls on the public to take appropriate hygiene and biosecurity measures, such as washing hands and using personal protective equipment, before and after handling animals from a household with a probable or confirmed human mpox case.
“Do not approach or touch animals that are sick or found dead in endemic areas. Inform your veterinarian if any companion animals, domestic animals, or wildlife were exposed to Mpox and show clinical signs compatible with the disease.
“WOAH is fully committed to supporting its members and other stakeholders to monitor and mitigate the risks associated with mpox.
“We will continue to engage with our networks of reference centres, experts, and partners to take a one-health approach and provide updates as more information becomes available.”