[ODFW-News] Animal carrier of monkeypox banned in Oregon since 1996

[ODFW News]

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 	
Contact: 	Anne Pressentin Young (503) 872-5264 x5356	
Internet: www.dfw.state.or.us  Fax: (503) 872-5700
	
For Immediate Release	Wednesday, July 02, 2003

Animal carrier of monkeypox banned in Oregon since 1996

PORTLAND - A federal ban on the importation of 37 rodent species from Africa to fight the spread of monkeypox widens an existing ban in Oregon on the importation and possession of non-native prairie dogs.

The Center for Disease Control and the federal Food and Drug Administration announced last month an embargo on the importation of certain African rodent species. In addition, the sale, transport or release of live or dead prairie dogs and 32 rodent species from Africa is prohibited. These include tree squirrels, rope squirrels, dormices, Gambian giant pouched rats, brush-tailed porcupines and striped mice.

In June, health officials discovered an outbreak of the monkeypox virus in Midwest states and determined it was transmitted by pet prairie dogs that contracted the disease from African rodents. The virus is in the same family of diseases as small pox. Symptoms are similar to smallpox, but milder. They include fever, headache, muscle ache and rash. 

Prairie dogs were classified as a prohibited species in 1996 in Oregon to protect native wildlife. 

Oregon residents who own one of the federally prohibited species may not transport the animals except to veterinarians or animal control officers or other entities pursuant to guidance or instructions issued by federal, state or local government authorities. Information may be obtained by contacting Larry Cooper at ODFW's Portland office at (503) 872-5260.

Additional information about monkeypox and the federal embargo can be found on the CDC Web site at www.cdc.gov/ncidod/monkeypox/index.htm .

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Information and Education Division
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
(503) 872-5264 ext 5528