Dog becomes first pet infected with monkeypox

A dog has tested positive for monkeypox in what is thought to be the first confirmed case of the disease being transmitted from humans to pets.

An Italian greyhound owned by a gay couple has been infected with monkeypox in the first reported case passed from a human to their pet, according to a report in the Lancet Medical Journal.

The French couple said they noticed sores on their dog’s stomach and a test later confirmed the pet had contracted the virus.

The dog had shared a bed with the couple, who suffered from extensive ulcers and rashes since their cases were confirmed, and had licked at least one of them before licking itself.

Officials have said those infected with the virus should quarantine away from their pets to reduce transmission.

The researchers said: “Our findings should prompt debate on the need to isolate pets from monkeypox virus-positive individuals. We call for further investigation on secondary transmissions via pets.”

As of 4 August, there are 2,768 confirmed and 91 highly probable monkeypox cases in the UK.