The ongoing epidemic of Ebola in West Africa
has raised several questions about how the disease affects the animal
population, and in particular, the risk to household pets. While the
information available suggests that the virus may be found in several
kinds of animals, CDC, the US Department of Agriculture, and the
American Veterinary Medical Association do not believe that pets are at
significant risk for Ebola in the United States.
How are animals involved in Ebola outbreaks?
Because
the natural reservoir host of Ebola has not yet been confirmed, the way
in which the virus first appears in a human at the start of an outbreak
is unknown. However, scientists believe that the first patient becomes
infected through contact with an infected animal, such as a fruit bat or
primate (apes and monkeys), which is called a spillover event.
Person-to-person transmission follows and can lead to large numbers of
affected persons. In some past Ebola outbreaks, primates were also
affected by Ebola, and multiple spillover events occurred when people
touched or ate infected primates. In the current West African epidemic,
animals have not been found to be a factor in ongoing Ebola
transmission.
How does Ebola spread?
When infection occurs
in humans, the virus can be spread in several ways to others. Ebola is
spread through direct contact (through broken skin or mucous membranes
in, for example, the eyes, nose, or mouth) with
- blood or body
fluids (including but not limited to urine, saliva, sweat, feces,
vomit, breast milk, and semen) of a person who is sick with Ebola
- objects (like needles and syringes) that have been contaminated with the virus
- Ebola
is not spread through the air or by water, or in general, by food.
However, in Africa, Ebola may be spread as a result of handling bushmeat
(wild animals hunted for food) and contact with infected bats.
- Only
a few species of mammals (for example, humans, monkeys, and apes) have
shown the ability to become infected with and spread Ebola virus. There
is no evidence that mosquitos or other insects can transmit Ebola virus.
Can dogs get infected or sick with Ebola?
At
this time, there have been no reports of dogs or cats becoming sick
with Ebola or of being able to spread Ebola to people or other animals.
Even in areas in Africa where Ebola is present, there have been no
reports of dogs and cats becoming sick with Ebola. There is limited
evidence that dogs become infected with Ebola virus, but there is no
evidence that they develop disease.
Here in the United States, are our dogs and cats at risk of becoming sick with Ebola?
The
risk of an Ebola outbreak affecting multiple people in the United
States is very low. Therefore, the risk to pets is also very low, as
they would have to come into contact with blood and body fluids of a
person with Ebola. Even in areas in Africa where Ebola is present, there
have been no reports of dogs and cats becoming sick with Ebola.
Can I get Ebola from my dog or cat?
At
this time, there have been no reports of dogs or cats becoming sick
with Ebola or of being able to spread Ebola to people or animals. The
chances of a dog or cat being exposed to Ebola virus in the United
States is very low as they would have to come into contact with blood
and body fluids of a symptomatic person sick with Ebola.
Can my pet's body, fur, or paws spread Ebola to a person?
We
do not yet know whether or not a pet's body, paws, or fur can pick up
and spread Ebola to people or other animals. It is important to keep
people and animals away from blood or body fluids of a person with
symptoms of Ebola infection.
What if there is a pet in the home of an Ebola patient?
CDC
recommends that public health officials in collaboration with a
veterinarian evaluate the pet's risk of exposure to the virus (close
contact or exposure to blood or body fluids of an Ebola patient). Based
on this evaluation as well as the specific situation, local and state
human and animal health officials will determine how the pet should be
handled.
Can I get my dog or cat tested for Ebola?
There
would not be any reason to test a dog or cat for Ebola if there was no
exposure to a person infected with Ebola. Currently, routine testing for
Ebola is not available for pets.
What are the requirements for bringing pets or other animals into the United States from West Africa?
CDC
regulations require that dogs and cats imported into the United States
be healthy. Dogs must be vaccinated against rabies before arrival into
the United States. Monkeys and African rodents are not allowed to be
imported as pets under any circumstances.
Each state and U.S.
Territory has its own rules for pet ownership and importation, and these
rules may be different from federal regulations. Airlines may have
additional requirements.
Can monkeys spread Ebola?
Yes,
monkeys are at risk for Ebola. Symptoms of Ebola infection in monkeys
include fever, decreased appetite, and sudden death. Monkeys should not
be allowed to have contact with anyone who may have Ebola. Healthy
monkeys already living in the United States and without exposure to a
person infected with Ebola are not at risk for spreading Ebola.
Can bats spread Ebola?
Fruit
bats in Africa are considered to be a natural reservoir for Ebola. Bats
in North America are not known to carry Ebola and so CDC considers the
risk of an Ebola outbreak from bats occurring in the United States to be
very low. However, bats are known to carry rabies and other diseases
here in the United States. To reduce the risk of disease transmission,
never attempt to touch a bat, living or dead.
Where can I find more information about Ebola and pet dogs and cats?
CDC
is currently working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the
American Veterinary Medical Association, and many other partners to
develop additional guidance for the U.S. pet population. Additional
information and guidance will be posted on this website as well as
partner websites as soon as it becomes available.