Monkeypox outbreaks in European countries. (Photo / Dazhi / Associated Press)
The recent monkeypox epidemic has attracted worldwide attention. Although the World Health Organization has previously stated that monkeypox is controllable and therefore not a threat, the European Center for Disease Control and Prevention (ECDC) has pointed out that if monkeypox occurs “human-to-animal” transmission, The center also said it was “theoretically possible” that rodents could be infected with monkeypox in humans, and then infect humans, so the center developed a “last resort” without testing or testing. Under the isolation capacity, rodent pets such as hamsters and capybaras raised by infected persons will be culled.
Comprehensive “Daily Mail”,The Daily TelegraphAccording to foreign media reports, the monkeypox epidemic continues to spread in European countries. As of the 26th, the United Kingdom has reported 90 cases of monkeypox, and more than 20 countries around the world have reported suspected or confirmed cases, with a total of 344 cases.
published this weekDisease Control GuidelinesIn , the ECDC urges monkeypox-infected patients and their close contacts to avoid contact with pets, noting that if the monkeypox virus is transmitted to animals, it may cause a large epidemic on the European continent; rodents, including hamsters, rodents and Guinea pigs etc. are considered to be the most dangerous because “theoretically” these animals may be suitable hosts for the virus, so there may be a transmission of the virus from humans to animals, “Such a spillover event could cause the virus to spread in European wildlife spread and make the virus an endemic zoonotic disease.”
While the ECDC states that the likelihood of such a spillover scenario is very, very low, to ensure the worst does not occur, “ideally, rodent pets should be isolated in a monitored facility, observing respiratory isolation, and animal welfare conditions. , and test before the end of the quarantine.”
The report also pointed out that “killing pets” is only used as a last resort in the absence of testing or isolation capabilities. In addition, if the infected person raises mammalian pets such as cats and dogs, because the risk of infection is relatively low, if there is a suitable outdoor space, they can be isolated at home and checked by a veterinarian.
According to reports, although the natural host of monkeypox is unclear, some experts believe that the disease originated from rodents in West and Central Africa, and the British government will issue epidemic prevention recommendations with similar content in the next few days, urging Those infected with monkeypox keep their distance from animals.