MPXV Transmission From Squirrels to Mangabeys Documented

A study published online in Nature on June 24, 2026, details the documented transmission of the Monkeypox virus (MPXV) from fire-footed rope squirrels to sooty mangabeys. This research provides critical insights into the zoonotic pathways of MPXV, a virus within the Orthopoxvirus genus. The findings are significant for understanding the ecological dynamics of the virus and its potential for spillover into primate populations.

The transmission event highlights the role of specific rodent species as reservoirs for MPXV. Fire-footed rope squirrels (Funisciurus pyrsonotus) were identified as the source of infection for the sooty mangabeys (Cercocebus atys). This specific interspecies transmission adds to the growing body of evidence concerning the complex host-pathogen relationships in the spread of zoonotic diseases. Understanding these pathways is crucial for developing effective public health strategies and conservation efforts.

The research, accessible via the DOI 10.1038/s41586-026-10767-2, contributes to the broader scientific understanding of poxviruses and their ability to jump between different animal species. Such detailed documentation of transmission events is vital for epidemiological surveillance and for predicting future outbreaks. The study's publication in a leading scientific journal underscores the importance of this finding in the field of infectious disease research.