Joint monthly surveillance report on SARS-CoV-2 and mpox in animals in the European Region, May 2023

Abstract

Strengthened surveillance using a One-Health approach in at-risk animal populations and at the animal-human-environment interface is required to timely detect SARS-CoV-2 and mpox (‎previously known as monkeypox)‎ in new animal hosts, to monitor for potential virus evolution and to detect potential spill-back to the human population. Both SARS-CoV-2 and mpox had been declared Public Health Emergencies of International Concern (‎PHEIC)‎ and continue to pose public health challenges. The WHO Regional Office for Europe and the World Organisation for Animal Health (‎WOAH)‎ in Europe are monitoring notified cases of SARS-CoV-2 and mpox in the animal populations.