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.

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

FIVP Practice Matters podcast returns for Series 2

News Story 1
 The Federation of Independent Veterinary Practices (FIVP) has announced that its podcast, FIVP Practice Matters, will be returning for a second series next year.

The bi-weekly podcast will return on Tuesday, 14 January 2025 with an episode on sustainability with Alison Lambert. The second series will include a range of new and familiar guests sharing veterinary initiatives and news from independent practices.

The podcast is available on Spotify and will now also be released on Apple Podcasts. More details about FIVP and the podcast can be found on its website

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Further cases of H5N1 confirmed in Norfolk

APHA has officially confirmed that two more cases of H5N1 have been found on premises in Norfolk.

Testing confirmed that highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 was present at premises near Attleborough, as well as premises near Hingham in South Norfolk. The case near Hingham follows a slaughter on suspicion which was declared on 23 December.

A 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone have been implemented at each premises, and all the poultry on each premises will be humanely culled.

A third case has also been identified near Beverley in East Riding of Yorkshire.

APHA is reminding bird keepers to remain vigilant and follow biosecurity measures to prevent more outbreaks. Details on the current disease control zones and biosecurity guidance can be found on the APHA website.