The True Story: An Outbreak That Started with Animals, Not People

In 2003, the United States recorded 47 confirmed and probable mpox cases in 6 states: Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, Ohio and Wisconsin. It was the first large mpox outbreak outside Africa. Investigators traced it to a shipment of about 800 small mammals of 9 species from Ghana to Texas. Some infected animals were housed near prairie dogs at an animal vendor in Illinois. The prairie dogs were sold as pets before they showed signs of illness, carrying the virus into buyers' homes. The US then ordered a ban on importing, moving between states, selling and releasing certain rodents, including prairie dogs, and CDC's restriction on importing African rodents remains in place today.

The Key Lesson: Pet Shops Are Where Animals from Many Sources Meet

The 2003 problem was not one animal. It was animals from different sources kept close together and sold before anyone knew they were ill. Businesses in Thailand that should pay attention include:

• Exotic pet shops selling rodents, squirrels and imported animals
• Breeders and animal importers receiving animals from many countries
• Pet markets where animals from many shops share one space
• Veterinary clinics and animal hospitals receiving animals with unexplained illness
• Animal care staff who handle animals, cages and bedding every day

How Mpox Spreads

According to the World Health Organization, mpox can spread from animals to people through bites, scratches, or contact with blood, body fluids or sores of infected animals, and from person to person through close contact with an infected person's skin or sores, or contaminated objects. Mpox is an enveloped virus, which suitable disinfectants can inactivate.

Risk Register for Exotic Pet Shops

1. Receiving imported animals without health documents: likelihood medium / impact high / level high. Mitigation: accept only animals with health certificates and legal import papers. Owner: shop owner
2. Mixing new animals with existing stock: likelihood high / impact high / level critical. Mitigation: quarantine new animals in a separate zone before sale. Owner: shop manager
3. Selling animals that are not yet showing illness: likelihood medium / impact high / level high. Mitigation: observe before sale and record buyers so they can be contacted. Owner: sales staff
4. Staff handling animals and cages unprotected: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: gloves, handwashing and separate work clothes. Owner: supervisor
5. Contamination building up in cages and bedding: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: change bedding, wipe cages with disinfectant and fog the shop on a schedule. Owner: cleaning team

Ways to Reduce Risk in Shops and Breeding Farms

1. Check import papers and health certificates every time animals arrive
2. Quarantine new animals in a separate zone before selling them alongside others
3. Call a vet immediately when an animal has sores, lumps or unusual illness
4. Staff wear gloves and wash hands every time after handling animals
5. Clean cages and equipment with a disinfectant that is safe for the purpose
6. Fog the shop on a schedule, and immediately after finding a sick animal
7. Call the 1422 hotline if staff or customers get a rash or blisters after contact with animals

How ULV Fogging Helps

The World Health Disinfection disinfection service uses ULV fogging machines that turn the disinfectant into a fine mist. It settles across the whole area, including corners, curtains, upholstery and surfaces that hand wiping cannot fully reach.

• Whole-area coverage without relying on wiping spot by spot
• Quick return to use, typically about 30 minutes after fogging
• The team wears full protective equipment, so owners and staff do not take the risk themselves
• Report and photos after the job to show customers, management or authorities
• Tax invoice with 3% withholding tax for companies and agencies
• More than 5 years of experience in hospitals, offices, hotels and public buildings

The Disinfectant We Use: Chemgene HLD4H

The team uses Chemgene HLD4H. According to WHD's product page, it meets the EN 14476 standard for virucidal activity, is used in NHS hospitals in England, and is endorsed by Mahidol University. We do not claim that Chemgene has been tested against mpox specifically. But mpox is an enveloped virus, which suitable disinfectants can inactivate when used at the manufacturer's stated concentration and contact time.

• No harsh bleach smell
• Works on many surfaces, from desks and counters to handles and equipment
• Can be bought for daily wiping of high-touch points

Before and After

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can pets really give people mpox? A: Yes. In 2003 the US had 47 cases linked to prairie dogs infected by imported rodents. Q: How should a pet shop assess risk? A: Identify risks, rate likelihood and impact, set mitigations and owners, then review regularly. Q: Can Chemgene HLD4H be used on animal cages? A: Ask our team about suitable use. Chemgene HLD4H is not claimed to be tested against mpox specifically, but it meets EN 14476 for viruses, and mpox is an enveloped virus. Q: Can pet shops book fogging? A: Yes. Call 065-556-6294 or LINE @whd268.

Related Links and Sources

• World Health Disinfection disinfection service
• Chemgene HLD4H disinfectant and price
• Mpox information from Thailand's Department of Disease Control, hotline 1422
• WHO mpox fact sheet

Prevent It with a Disinfection Service and Chemgene HLD4H

The true story from the US in 2003 shows the virus can travel through the animal trade. Shops that assess risk and keep clean systematically protect animals, staff and customers. Prevent it with the World Health Disinfection disinfection service for pet shops and farms, and Chemgene HLD4H disinfectant for wiping cages and touch points every day.

Call 065-556-6294 | LINE: @whd268