June 10, 2003 - As a precaution to the monkeypox outbreak in neighboring Great Lakes states, Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) Director Dan Wyant and State Veterinarian Dr. Joan Arnoldi today issued a temporary ban on imports of prairie dogs and Gambian rats into Michigan. (NOTE: Based on the CDC's investigation of this situation, MDA amended this ban on Friday, June 13, 2003, to include six other species of animals: brush-tailed porcupines; dormices; rabbits; rope squirrels; striped mice; and tree squirrels.) They also urged Michigan veterinarians, pet shop operators, animal shelter workers and owners of these animals to be alert for any potential signs of illness, and cautioned residents against releasing any of these species into the wild.

“While the initial investigation indicates that Michigan is not at risk at this time, this ban is the prudent action to take until more information is known,” Wyant said. “It is also very important for anyone who suspects a case of monkeypox in animals like prairie dogs to report it to us immediately.”

Monkeypox is a viral disease of animals and humans that occurs primarily in the rain forest countries of central and West Africa. Prior to this discovery, it had never before been found in the United States or the Western Hemisphere. Monkeypox appears to have entered the country via an infected Gambian rat, which then passed the virus to commingled prairie dogs in pet trade. Transmission can occur by direct contact, bites, or closely shared air space. Symptoms in animals include rash, loss of fur, reddened runny eyes and/or nose, fever and swollen lymph nodes.

MDA offered the following precautionary guidelines to veterinarians, pet shop operators and animal shelter workers, which include:

• Wearing gloves and masks when handling prairie dogs.
• Ensuring that special pre-arrangements are made for clients with ill prairie dogs to prevent exposure to themselves, and other humans and animals at the veterinary clinic or shelter.
• Reporting immediately any suspicious cases in prairie dogs, rabbits or non-human primates to the State Veterinarian’s Office at 517/373-1077 and their local health department.
• Being on the lookout for symptoms in themselves; contacting their physician and local health department if monkeypox disease is suspected.

Precautionary guidelines for animal owners include:

• Washing hands carefully after any contact with prairie dogs or their immediate environment.
• Keeping recently acquired prairie dogs confined and isolated for at least 30 days prior to sale, or contact with other family members or animals as pets; monitoring them for signs of illness. (NOTE: Prairie dogs that have been in possession for 30 days or longer are beyond the expected incubation period for monkeypox and are likely not a risk for the disease.)
• Avoiding contact with any prairie dogs that appear to be ill (for example, if they are missing patches of fur, have a visible rash on the skin, or have a discharge from eyes or nose).
• Owners of potentially ill prairie dogs should consult their veterinarian via telephone or e-mail to make special pre-arrangements to prevent exposure to humans or other animals at the veterinary clinic.
• Seeking medical attention if symptoms such as fever, cough, rash and/or swollen lymph nodes develop within three weeks after contact with prairie dogs. Making sure to let your physician and local health department know about your exposure.

For more information on monkeypox, visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention web site at www.cdc.gov/ncidod/monkeypox/index.htm.