MPXV Transmitted From Squirrels To Mangabeys

Research published online in Nature on June 24, 2026, details the transmission of the monkeypox virus (MPXV) from fire-footed rope squirrels to sooty mangabeys. This finding, presented as an addendum to a study, identifies a significant zoonotic pathway for the virus. The study elucidates how MPXV can move between different mammalian species, underscoring the complex dynamics of viral spread in natural environments.

The transmission from squirrels to primates suggests a potential mechanism for the virus to jump between species that may have different ecological roles and interactions. Understanding these interspecies transmissions is crucial for predicting and controlling outbreaks. The specific species involved, fire-footed rope squirrels (Funisciurus pyrropygaster) and sooty mangabeys (Cercocebus atys), represent distinct ecological niches, making this observed transmission particularly noteworthy for epidemiological studies.

This research contributes to the broader understanding of MPXV epidemiology and its potential reservoirs. By identifying specific animal hosts and transmission routes, scientists can develop more targeted surveillance and intervention strategies. The study's publication in Nature, a leading scientific journal, indicates the significance of these findings within the virology and public health communities. The doi for the addendum is 10.1038/s41586-026-10767-2.