The Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa and subsequent infections in the US have raised some concern about the role of animals in the potential transmission of the disease. Animals have been shown to shed the virus. Epidemiology studies in Africa have demonstrated the presence of antibodies to Ebola in fruit bats suggesting that they may be a natural host for the virus. When bats and other animal species were experimentally inoculated with the virus, only bats became infected and released virus in their feces without showing signs of illness. Monkeys and larger non-human primates are not considered a natural host because of their high sensitivity and subsequent mortality when exposed to the virus. In the animal kingdom, only mammals have shown the ability to become infected.
What about domestic animals?
Currently, there is no evidence that domestic species have transmission risk to humans or other animals. However, legitimate field studies are non existent at this time. Some researchers have questioned whether dogs could play a role in transmission where no obvious source was identified for an outbreak . Despite this concern, the Ebola virus has never been isolated from a dog. In 2005, a study identified antibodies to Ebola in dogs that resided in close proximity to an outbreak. However, they failed to detect true virus or remnant DNA from the virus. The authors concluded that this specific strain of Ebola in question (Zaire Ebolavirus) could induce an immune reaction in canines but the study could not definitively determine if dogs will shed the virus and be a transmission concern for humans. A similar study in 2001-2002, conducted in Gabon, showed similar findings.
Pigs have shown vulnerability to the virus but their role in transmission of the disease is still unknown. Pigs experimentally infected with a strain of Ebola showed mild symptoms and were able to transmit the virus to non-human primates. Horses, guinea pigs and goats have shown subtle to no signs of illness when experimentally exposed, but Ebola has never been identified in these species in the wild.
How does Ebola spread?
When human infection occurs, the virus can be spread through direct contact with blood or bodily fluids ( feces, urine, vomit, breast milk, saliva).
Other facts about exposure are as follows:
- needles and syringes that have been contaminated can be a fomite for the virus
- Ebola is not communicable through aerosolization or through water or food. The only known exception being in Africa; Ebola may be spread as a result of handling infected bushmeat and contact with infected bats.
- There is currently no evidence that mosquitoes or other insects can transmit Ebola virus.
What if a pet is exposed?
Protocol published by the CDC and the American Veterinary Medical Association mandates that if a domestic animal is exposed to the Ebola virus, public health officials will evaluate the exposure and deem if it is appropriate to place the animal in quarantine. Quarantine for Ebola would be 21 days in duration. If a pet is placed in quarantine, testing will most likely be performed to determine that the animal does not have Ebola virus when it is released from confinement.
If a pet tests positive for Ebola virus, it would unfortunately need to be euthanized to prevent further spread of the disease.
Fortunately, the Ebola virus is not a significant threat for pet owners in the US. As the world focuses more attention on this devastating virus, our understanding of its biology, transmission potential, and ultimately a treatment – will only improve.
Dr. Mortimer earned his degree from Iowa State University. He received a B.A. in Biology from Baylor University, and completed an internship in Small Animal Emergency Medicine and Surgery in Rochester, New York. His interests include internal medicine and surgery, including minimally invasive surgery (endoscopy and laparoscopy).
“Above all, I have a strong interest in people and animals. The relationship between my patients and their owners is the reason I am in this profession.”
When away from the practice, he spends most of his time having fun with his family (his wife Kristie, three children, three cats and one “Labrador non-retriever”. Personal interests include fly-fishing, hiking, gardening and travel.