Pets of monkeypox patients to be placed under isolation

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By Lee Hyo-jin

Pets of people who have tested positive for monkeypox virus should be isolated for three weeks, according to a guideline announced by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Friday.

Rodents ― including hamsters, guinea pigs and mice ― which are known to be particularly susceptible to the disease, should be placed under isolation at a government-designated facility. Other companion animals such as dogs and cats should quarantine with their owners at home while being monitored for any signs of clinical symptoms.

The measures came after Korea identified its first case of the monkeypox virus on Wednesday.

Monkeypox is caused by a viral infection which can be found in animals including rodents and monkeys. According to the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), no cases have been detected in pets or livestock animals so far.

"Although the risk of infections among pets is low, with infections among cats or dogs yet to be reported worldwide, we have come up with the protocol considering that there have been some cases of infections among rodents," the ministry said in a statement.

It also advised people experiencing monkeypox symptoms or those who have tested positive to avoid contact with their pets.

Moreover, the authorities will beef up quarantine systems at airports and harbors to prevent an influx of the monkeypox virus through imported animals.

Among the species found susceptible to the virus, no monkeys were imported this year until May. As for rodents, only specific-pathogen-free (SPF) animals were brought in for use in experiments.

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