History of the Initial Embargo
An outbreak of Monkeypox in the US in June of 2003 led to a ban on imports of rodents from Africa, as well as the transport, distribution, sale, or release of prairie dogs and 6 species of rodents native to Africa. The joint order was issued by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Department of Human Health and Safety (HSS) on June 11, 2003 and is in effect until further notice.
More information on monkeypox and the June outbreak can be found in the article "Monkeypox and Prairie Dogs".
As a result of this outbreak and the suspicion that Gambian rats or other rodents recently imported from Africa the source of the viral infection, an embargo was placed on the import of any rodents from Africa.
In addition, the order also prohibits the distribution, sale, transport, or intentional release into the wild of
- prairie dogs
and the following African rodent species - tree squirrels
- rope squirrels
- dormice
- Gambian giant pouched rats
- brush-tailed porcupines
- striped mice
The ban is intended to prevent the import of animals potentially infected with monkeypox virus and to help prevent the spread of the monkeypox virus within the US.
The ban on transport can be circumvented in cases where owners are granted permission by their health department to transport listed animals for health evaluation to a veterinarian, animal control officials, or other agencies recommended by government officials.
It should go without saying that pets should never be released into the wild, but it is now more important than ever. If the monkeypox virus gets established in wild populations it could be devastating to our native species and monkeypox could be very difficult to control.
Monkeypox and Prairie Dogs - what pet owners should know about the monkeypox outbreak.