(Adapted from “Veterinary Considerations for Ebola Virus Outbreaks” on the Veterinary Information Network)
Ebola virus disease or Ebola haemorrhagic fever is a severe, contagious disease affecting humans, nonhuman primates (e.g. monkeys), and other mammals (pigs, horses, guinea pigs, goats, and bats). Virulent strains of the disease have a high fatality rate in humans (53-90%). Transmission of the virus primarily occurs through direct contact with tissues, blood or other body fluids from an infected human or animal. Transmission may also occur with the handling of infected wild animals, often during hunting. There is no evidence that Ebola is transmitted by aerosol (through the air), water, or food. The aerosol route of transmission has been suggested but never proven. The Ebola virus is relatively delicate and sensitive to drying, detergents, and disinfectants. It does not survive long in the environment (hours, as opposed to days or weeks).
Ebola virus has been shown to be shed by fruit bats, which are thought to be the natural hosts for the disease. Only mammals (including humans) have been shown to become infected with and spread Ebola. Some mammals, such as guinea pigs, goats, and horses, may develop only mild clinical signs (as shown by experimental infection as natural infection in these species has never been documented). Pigs have been shown to become infected with Ebola and spread the virus to nonhuman primates, though clinical signs in pigs are usually mild. There is no evidence that pigs have transmitted Ebola to humans, though there are no studies looking at this.
A study in 2005 showed that dogs in or near regions where Ebola is common have antibodies for the virus. However, no actual Ebola virus has ever been isolated from a dog. Antibody production does not mean the dogs were infected, only that they were exposed to the virus. There is currently no evidence that dogs can or have carried or transmitted Ebola virus. It should be noted, however, that “rigorous investigation of potential canine infections in field situations is virtually nonexistent.” There is also no evidence that Ebola virus can be transmitted via the fur or saliva of pets. However, fomite transmission (i.e. transmission of infection through direct contact with an object on which the virus is present) may occur. To prevent pets from acting as “fomites”, the CBC recommends keeping pets away from people that have been infected with or exposed to Ebola. The CBC also recommends that any pets exposed to an Ebola patient be evaluated by public health officials in collaboration with a veterinarian. From there, local and state human and animal health officials with determine how the pet should be handled. There is currently a dog that was exposed to an infected health worker in Texas that is being quarantined at a decommissioned military base.
For more information, the AVMA has developed a Pet Owner's Guide to Ebola Exposure and a link to updated FAQs about Ebola at www.avma.org/Ebola.