Abstract
Simple SummaryContemporary enthusiasm for the ownership of exotic animals and hobby livestock has created an opportunity for the movement of poxviruses—such as monkeypox, cowpox, and orf—outside their traditional geographic range bringing them into contact with atypical animal hosts and groups of people not normally considered at risk. It is important that pet owners and practitioners of human and animal medicine develop a heightened awareness for poxvirus infections and understand the risks that can be associated with companion animals and livestock. This article reviews the epidemiology and clinical features of zoonotic poxviruses that are most likely to affect companion animals.Understanding the zoonotic risk posed by poxviruses in companion animals is important for protecting both human and animal health. The outbreak of monkeypox in the United States, as well as current reports of cowpox in Europe, point to the fact that companion animals are increasingly serving as sources of poxvirus transmission to people. In addition, the trend among hobbyists to keep livestock (such as goats) in urban and semi-urban areas has contributed to increased parapoxvirus exposures among people not traditionally considered at high risk. Despite the historic notoriety of poxviruses and the diseases they cause, poxvirus infections are often missed. Delays in diagnosing poxvirus-associated infections in companion animals can lead to inadvertent human exposures. Delays in confirming human infections can result in inappropriate treatment or prolonged recovery. Early recognition of poxvirus-associated infections and application of appropriate preventive measures can reduce the spread of virus between companion animals and their owners. This review will discuss the epidemiology and clinical features associated with the zoonotic poxvirus infections most commonly associated with companion animals.
Highlights
Poxviruses have played a large role in human history
This review will focus on those zoonotic poxviruses most likely to be associated with companion animals and discuss what is currently known about poxvirus pathogenesis and diagnosis in general, as well as the epidemiology and clinical features associated with these zoonotic infections
Smallpox vaccine is considered protective against orthopoxvirus infections and is recommended for laboratory personnel working with monkeypox, cowpox, vaccinia, and variola [134]
Summary
Poxviruses have played a large role in human history. The most infamous of the poxviruses is variola, the causative agent of smallpox. The virus used for smallpox vaccination, was the first animal virus to be seen via electron microscopy and the first to be used as a vector for carrying foreign genes into animals [2] Despite their historic notoriety, infections caused by poxviruses are commonly missed in today’s world. The term companion animal is often used synonymously with ‘pet’ which implies affection and frequent interaction This has included dogs and cats; rodents and other small mammals are often kept as pets, and in the last few decades exotic animals and livestock have become more common as companion animals. This review will focus on those zoonotic poxviruses most likely to be associated with companion animals and discuss what is currently known about poxvirus pathogenesis and diagnosis in general, as well as the epidemiology and clinical features associated with these zoonotic infections
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
