Prairie Dogs and Monkeypox
Update: "On June 11, 2003, CDC and FDA issued a joint order announcing an immediate embargo on the importation of all rodents from Africa due to the potential that these rodents can spread monkeypox virus infection to other animal species and to humans. The joint order also banned within the United States any sale, offering for distribution, transport, or release into the environment, of prairie dogs and six specific African rodent species implicated in the current monkeypox outbreak." For more information on this embargo, and to find out how it impacts owners of pet prairie dogs and any of the embargoed African rodents, view this CDC FAQ on Embargo and Prohibition of Certain Rodents and Prairie Dogs. According to the US Centers for Disease Control, "Monkeypox is a rare viral disease that occurs mainly in the rain forest countries of central and west Africa. The disease was first discovered in laboratory monkeys in 1958. Blood tests of animals in Africa later found evidence of monkeypox infection in a number of African rodents. The virus that causes monkeypox was recovered from an African squirrel, which may be the natural host. Laboratory studies showed that the virus also could infect mice, rats, and rabbits. In 1970, monkeypox was reported in humans for the first time. In June 2003, monkeypox was reported in prairie dogs and humans in the United States." If you have any additional concerns or questions, contact your local health department or the Centers for Disease Control at the CDC Emergency Operations Center, 770-488-7100. Additional information and recommendations will be released as they become available. Updated information will be available at http://www.cdc.gov.
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ExoticHobbyist.com has prepared this overview of the current monkeypox outbreak in the United States, including its connection to pet prairie dogs. You will find information for pet owners, veterinarians, pet store owners, and other animal handlers at the links to the right.