Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

WOAH monitoring zoonotic spread of mpox
Mpox is caused by the Orthopoxvirus MPXV.
Members are asked to report cases of MPXV.

The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has called for its members to report cases of monkeypox virus (MPXV) in animals to help it monitor the spreading novel mpox strain.

The World Health Organization has declared the current surge in mpox as a ‘public health emergency of international concern’, with cases increasing in African countries and beyond.

However, although mpox appears to be spreading among humans, the virus’ zoonotic origins have prompted WOAH to also monitor animal health.

Mpox, which was first seen in 1958, is caused by the Orthopoxvirus MPXV. Prevalent in West and Central Africa, MPXV has been found in rodents, primates, humans and other mammals.

Clinical signs of MPXV can include skin lesions, scabs, fever and swollen lymph nodes in both animals and humans. However, in some cases, there are no clinical signs.

MPXV can be transmitted from animals to humans, as well as from humans to animals.

There have been no recent reports of MPXV clade 1b in animals, and it is not a listed disease. However, WOAH has asked its members to inform them if they identify MPXV in animals and take appropriate risk mitigation methods.

WOAH asks that its members consider mpox as a differential disease in animals which show clinical signs compatible with the disease and that have been exposed to human cases.

As well as informing WOAH, members should use a One Health approach by maintaining communication between wildlife services, veterinary services and public health services.

The public should use appropriate hygiene and biosecurity measures around animals which have been in contact with probable mpox cases. They should wash hands regularly, wear personal protective equipment, and avoid animals found sick or deceased in endemic areas.

WOAH has produced resources and guidance to support members with reducing mpox risk in animals.

Image © Shutterstock

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Free CPD announced for BVNA members

News Story 1
 Zoetis is to present a CPD event for free to members of the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA).

Led by veterinary consultant Ruth Moxon, the one-hour online session is designed to help veterinary nurses discuss parasiticide options with clients. It will advise on structuring recommendations, factors for product choice and moving away from 'selling'.

'How do you recommend parasite treatments to your clients?' will be presented on Tuesday, 20 May at 7.30pm. It is free for BVNA members, with £15.00 tickets for non-members.

Veterinary nurses can email cpd@bvna.co.uk to book their place. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
DAERA to reduce BVD 'grace period'

DAERA has reminded herd keepers of an upcoming reduction to the 'grace period' to avoid BVD herd restrictions.

From 1 May 2025, herd keepers will have seven days to cull any BVD positive or inconclusive animals to avoid restrictions being applied to their herd.

It follows legislation introduced on 1 February, as DAERA introduces herd movement restrictions through a phased approach. Herd keepers originally had 28 days to cull BVD positive or inconclusive animals.

DAERA says that, providing herd keepers use the seven-day grace period, no herds should be restricted within the first year of these measures.

Additional measures, which will target herds with animals over 30 days old that haven't been tested for BVD, will be introduced from 1 June 2025.

More information is available on the DAERA website.