Questions about Ebola are rampant – here are some answers…

Ebola is spread by contact with bodily fluids of an individual with active Ebola symptoms. That means the infected blood, vomit or secretions from an already sick person.

Ebola has been around since 1976, and in that time – there has not been a single proven case of airborne transmission.

 

Can Pets Spread Ebola?

Wildlife-to-human transmission from contact with infected fruit bats or monkeys/apes and the consumption of their raw meat has occurred in Africa.

Ebola has NOT been found in any felines in Africa – it is strongly suspected that Cats may be safe from the Ebola virus and cannot transmit the disease.

On the other hand, it seems clear that Dogs can get Ebola. People have been worried since the “dog in Spain” was alleged to have Ebola. In actuality, the dog was only suspected of having Ebola (no test exists); it was quarantined and then killed.

There has been one study by French scientists in Gabon, in Central Africa, which examined hundred’s of dogs and found Ebola antibodies but not live virus in dogs. It is suspected that dogs can get Ebola but that they do not get very sick or die from the disease.

 

Can Dogs Transmit Ebola?

It is very possible that dogs may transmit Ebola. If so it is likely that they would be “Silent Carriers” that do not get sick from the disease but can transmit it to humans.

Finally – According to WHO (World Health Organization) there are currently no licensed Ebola vaccines but 2 potential candidates are undergoing evaluation.

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