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Date Posted: 07:03:32 06/16/03 Mon
Author: Lace
Subject: Press Release

HHS BANS RODENT IMPORTS FROM AFRICA;
PROHIBITS DOMESTIC COMMERCE IN RODENTS AND PRAIRIE DOGS
Actions Intended to Prevent Spread of Monkeypox Virus
HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson today announced 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. In addition, the Secretary also
announced a ban within the United States on the distribution, sale
and transport of prairie dogs and six specific African rodent
species implicated in the current monkeypox outbreak. Today's
action, issued in accordance with regulations provided under the
Public Health Service Act, will remain in effect until further
notice.

"The current outbreak of monkeypox in humans has the potential to
pose a threat to public health in the United States," Secretary
Thompson said. "Today's action is an important step we must take in
order to help prevent further spread of this virus."

Today's order prohibits the importation of all rodents from Africa.
In addition, it prohibits within the United States the distribution,
sale, transportation and intentional release into the environment of
prairie dogs and the following rodent species: Tree squirrels
(Sciurus); Rope squirrels (Funisciurus); Dormices (Graphiurus);
Gambian Giant Pouched Rats (Cricetomys gambianus); Brush-tailed
porcupines (Atherurus africanus); Striped mice (Typomys).

In addition to implementing this embargo, HHS also is advising
individuals who have acquired an animal named in the order since
April 15 to carefully monitor their own health as well as the health
of the animal. Should an individual exhibit symptoms, such as a rash
accompanied by a fever, cough or aches, or become ill, they should
immediately contact a physician. Should an animal become ill,
individuals should immediately contact a veterinarian, contain the
animal in an appropriate carrier and then transport it to the
veterinarian without other people or pets in the vehicle. Under no
circumstances should such animals be intentionally released into the
wild.

The ban implemented today does not apply to individuals who
transport listed animals to veterinarians, animal control officials,
or other entities recommended by Federal, state, or local government
authorities.

HHS has determined, under its authority in the Public Health Service
Act, that the current monkeypox outbreak is an interstate problem
that requires the use of this Federal authority. Pursuant to the
Act, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has the
authority to implement and enforce the foreign importation embargo.
Also under the Public Health Service Act, both CDC and the Food and
Drug Administration (FDA) have shared authority for implementing and
enforcing the ban on distribution, sale and transport of these
animals within the United States. FDA and CDC will work jointly,
along with other Federal agencies, to enforce these public health
measures.

CDC is working with state and local health departments to
investigate an outbreak of monkeypox in persons who have had contact
with prairie dogs. These prairie dogs, sold to individuals as pets,
most likely became infected with monkeypox at a dealer after being
exposed to rodents imported from Africa. Six rodent species were
imported from Africa and have since been sold in the United States.
CDC is currently investigating which species of rodents imported
from Africa may be playing a role in this outbreak. As of June 11,
2003, a total of 54 cases of monkeypox were under investigation in
Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana and New Jersey.

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