World Organisation for Animal Health shares advice on new monkeypox strain

WHO encourages countries to report cases of the disease in animals and take preventive measures as part of a One Health approach to reduce the risk of transmission.

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The World Organisation for Animal Health (WHO) is closely monitoring the rapid spread of a new strain of monkeypox (smallpox) among humans due to the zoonotic nature of the virus.

The current increase in human cases of the new strain (clade 1b) in an increasing number of countries in Africa, as well as sporadic cases in Asia and Europe, has led to the World Health Organization classifying it as a public health emergency of international concern (WHO).

First identified in 1958, MPX is caused by an orthopoxvirus called monkeypox virus (MPXV). The virus, endemic to West and Central Africa, occurs in both animals (rodents, primates, and other mammals) and humans. The disease can cause clinical signs such as skin lesions, scabs, fever, and swollen lymph nodes in both animals and humans. In some cases, it does not cause any obvious clinical signs. MPXV can be transmitted from animals to humans, as well as from humans to animals.

As of 23 August 2024, the World Organisation for Animal Health has not received any confirmed reports of clade 1b MPXV in animals. Although WHO members are required to formally report listed diseases and MPXV is not a listed disease, they are encouraged to report detections of MPXV in animals.

WHO is responding to this issue by actively encouraging its members to report confirmed cases of monkeypox in animals and to take appropriate risk mitigation measures. To reduce the risk of human-to-animal transmission, the organization has developed guidance for different risk groups. To raise awareness of the issue, WHO has also developed a set of online resources that include prevention and diagnostic strategies for animals. In addition, the organization is constantly consulting with its reference centers and expert groups on monkeypox and emerging diseases, while collaborating with its partners, such as WHO, to adopt an approach. One health.

WHO calls on its members to:

• Consider the differential diagnosis of monkeypox in animals that have clinical signs compatible with the disease and have had previous exposure to humans.
• Notify WHO at information.dept@woah.org of occurrences of monkeypox in animals and submit genetic sequences to publicly available databases.
• Review WHO resources and recommendations for reducing risk in animals.
• Ensure effective coordination and communication between wildlife, veterinary and public health services using a One Health approach.

Likewise, OMSA calls on the public to:

• Take appropriate hygiene and biosecurity measures, such as hand washing and wearing personal protective equipment, before and after handling animals from a household with a probable or confirmed case of human monkeypox.
• Avoid approaching or touching sick animals or animals found dead in endemic areas.
• Notify your veterinarian if any pet, animal, or wildlife has been exposed to monkeypox and shows clinical signs consistent with the disease.

WHO is fully committed to supporting its Members and other stakeholders in monitoring and mitigating the risks associated with monkeypox and says it will continue to work with its networks of reference centres, experts and partners to implement the One Health approach and ensure updated information is made available.