Ebola disease is caused by a group of viruses that can cause serious disease and even death in people and nonhuman primates. It was first identified in 1976 and to date, all outbreaks have been in sub-Saharan Africa. The disease has been reported in people in the United States and Europe but only in people that have been to these countries or in direct contact with infected people.
Transmission of Ebola
The main carrier of Ebola virus is believed to be fruit bats, which don't get sick from the disease but do shed the virus through their saliva, feces, and urine. Animals might eat fruit that has been contaminated with bat saliva or droppings or eat the meat or organs of infected animals. Ebola virus has been found in nonhuman primates, porcupines, and duikers (a type of antelope). Contact with the meat, bodily fluids, or feces of any infected animal (or person) can infect people.
In domestic animals, antibodies have been found in dogs, suggesting that they have been infected by the virus, and pigs have been able to be experimentally infected, but these have not been sources of infection for people.
Symptoms of Ebola in Animals
Bats that are infected with Ebola virus show no symptoms. Nonhuman primates (apes, monkeys) have the same symptoms as people, which include:
fever
lack of energy
weight loss
flu-like symptoms
bleeding from nose and/or mouth, in urine or feces
digestive signs (vomiting, diarrhea)
respiratory symptoms, difficulty breathing
skin rash
death
Treatment of Ebola in Animals
There is no treatment for Ebola in animals. Most wild animals that are infected die of the disease. Because of the high risk of spread, any infected animal will be euthanized and disposed of safely.
Prevention of Ebola
Avoid contact with secretions and bodily fluids of people who have been in areas of outbreak.
Don't consume meat in areas of outbreak unless it is well cooked.
Wear full protective equipment in areas of outbreak or around possibly infected animals or people.
Important Zoonotic Points Regarding Ebola
Ebola is a serious and potentially fatal virus that affects all primates, including people.
Infection occurs only in sub-Saharan Africa.
Fruit bats are believed to be the source of infection, but they don't get sick.
The virus is spread from the secretions, excretions, and bodies of infected animals and people.
