Cowpox Virus Transmission from Rats to Monkeys, the Netherlands

Authors :: Byron E.E. Martina
Gerard van Doornum
Gerry M. Dorrestein
Hubert G.M. Niesters
Koert J. Stittelaar
Marno A.B.I. Wolters
Hester G.H. van Bolhuis
Albert D.M.E. Osterhaus
Source :: Emerging Infectious Diseases, Vol 12, Iss 6, Pp 1005-1007 (2006)
Publication Year :: 2006
Publisher :: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2006.
Abstract: We report an outbreak of cowpox virus among monkeys at a sanctuary for exotic animals. Serologic analysis and polymerase chain reaction were performed on blood and swab samples from different rodent species trapped at the sanctuary during the outbreak. Sequence comparison and serologic results showed that brown rats (Rattus norvegicus) transmitted the virus to monkeys.