The HSUS has long held the position that wild animals do not
make suitable pets, but the recent outbreak of monkeypox virus
in the United States may have illustrated the point all too
well. Not only have humans and prairie dogs been exposed to the
virus, but any domesticated animal brought after April 15 at a
pet store or "pet swap" meet may have come in contact with the
disease.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
in Atlanta, monkeypox is a rare zoonotic viral disease that
occurs primarily in the rain forest countries of central and
west Africa. It first appeared in the United States in early
May in several midwestern states. By June 17, the CDC was
investigating 81 suspected cases in six states; most of the
cases were located in Indiana (24 cases), Illinois (19) and
Wisconsin (34).
While there have been no deaths related to the monkeypox
outbreak, at least 14 people had been hospitalized for
disease-related illnesses. In Africa, monkeypox is fatal in as
many as 10% of people who get the disease.
According to the CDC, the illness at first produces a fever,
a headache, muscle aches, backache, and swollen lymph nodes in
humans. Within one to three days after the initial symptoms,
the infected person will develop a rash (i.e., raised bumps),
usually on the face but sometimes on other body parts. The
lesions usually develop through several stages before crusting
and falling off. The illness typically lasts for two to four
weeks.
The virus apparently entered the country earlier this year
via a shipment of small mammals (including Gambian giant
pouched rats, rope squirrels, and dormice) from Africa imported
for the pet trade. Several prairie dogs captured for the pet
trade were exposed to these imported creatures when the animals
were housed in the same holding facility or pet shop. The
prairie dogs were later distributed to locations throughout the
midwest, resulting in multiple cases of human monkeypox.
Virtually all the patients reported direct or close contact
with captive prairie dogs, most of whom were sick.
According to Richard Farinato, Director of Captive Wildlife
Programs, The HSUS opposes keeping exotic pets "based on both
humane concerns, and the risks these animals pose to the health
and safety of pet owners and the public at large." The recent
outbreak of monkeypox virus in the United States—the first
outbreak ever to occur in the western hemisphere—serves as a
grave reminder of the dangers of keeping wild animals as pets,
he says.
Viral outbreaks are not the only concern with the import of
exotic animals. Reptile-associated salmonellosis is also a
public-health problem. In the 1970s, The HSUS was involved in
securing from the Food and Drug Administration a ban on import
and sale of turtles with a shell size under four inches because
of the threat of salmonella infection. In 1975, the CDC banned
the import of primate species for the pet trade due to herpes
and hepatitis concerns. In March 2000, the USDA placed an
emergency ban on the import and interstate commerce in three
types of African tortoises because of tick-borne Heartwater
disease.
"Consumers should consider health risks and the humane
issues associated with any species of wild animal as a pet,"
Farinato said. "The risks with bringing a wild animal into the
home far outweigh the novelty and fascination of owning an
exotic species. People would be much better off to consider
adopting one of the millions of domestic companion animals in
this country who are waiting for homes."
Underscoring the severity of the public health threat posed
by the monkeypox virus, the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services recently banned commerce in African rodents and
prairie dogs as well as rodent imports from Africa to the
United States.
Monkeypox is not found in wild populations of prairie dogs
in the United States, so it is imperative that prairie dogs
kept as pets not be released into the wild. Just as important,
the carcasses of diseased animals should not be buried or
disposed of with the household trash.
The animals recently infected by monkeypox include Gambian
giant pouched rats, prairie dogs, and rabbits. However, the
spectrum of animals susceptible to monkeypox is currently
unknown; as a precaution, all mammals—including cats and
dogs—should be considered at risk at this time, particularly if
they were purchased at pet stores or other animal facilities
after April 15, when the first exposure to an ill animal was
reported.
If you are concerned that your pet may have been exposed to
monkeypox:
- Observe the animal for signs of illness that may include
fever, cough, discharge from the eyes or nose, inflamed lymph
glands, or bumps similar to mosquito bites.
- Contact your local health department for
instructions.
- Do not remove the animal from your home or take him to a
shelter. It may be necessary to quarantine the animal in your
home.
- If you wish to take the animal to a veterinarian, you
should call first and explain that the animal may have been
exposed to monkeypox.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has
published guidelines that are important to anyone working with
animals, including pet owners. Detailed guidelines can be found
on the CDC website or by calling the CDC Emergency Operations
Center at 770-488-7100.
Portions of this information were
adapted from the Joint Order of the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration,
Department of Health and Human Services.
