The first confirmed case of monkeypox transmission from humans to dogs has been documented in France. A report from the Lancet revealed that the case emerged in the household of a non-monogamous homosexual couple, one of whom is also HIV positive. The two were diagnosed with monkeypox at a Paris hospital on June 10, 2022, with symptoms including “anal ulcerations” and rash.
Twelve days later, the couple’s Italian greyhound began exhibiting symptoms that included “abdomen pustules and a thin anal ulceration.” After a PCR test, it was confirmed that the dog had contracted monkeypox. A subsequent DNA sequence comparison showed that the virus in both the dog and its owners shared the exact same DNA sequence.
According to the couple, their greyhound shares a bed with them. The pair added that they had endeavored to keep the dog from coming into contact with other animals or people since they began experiencing monkeypox symptoms.
The Lancet noted that while animals such as prairie dogs and monkeys have been known to carry the monkeypox virus, “infection among domesticated animals, such as dogs and cats, has never been reported.” The transmission of monkeypox from man to dog has led the authors of the Lancet report to conclude that consideration must be given to isolating pets from monkeypox-positive owners.
