WASHINGTON—The HSUS commends the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for issuing an immediate ban on rodent imports from Africa in response to the monkeypox virus outbreak in the U.S. The ban, issued yesterday, also prohibits domestic sale and transport of several African rodent species and prairie dogs.

“The federal agencies charged with safeguarding both the health of people and animals in the U.S. have responded prudently with this decisive action,” said Richard Farinato, director of The HSUS Captive Wildlife and Habitat Protection Program. “Experience has shown us the threats posed by the import of non-native wild animals for the pet trade. Whether it is reptile-associated salmonellosis, Heartwater disease, or monkeypox, federal and state agencies should be taking proactive steps to avoid further incidents. This is a significant step in addressing the serious problems of the exotic pet trade.”

The HSUS is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on communicating safety guidelines and recommendations for handling potentially exposed animals to the animal care and control professionals at the more than 3,000 animal shelters across the U.S. Details can be found at www.animalsheltering.org.

Shelters often are the destination for relinquished pets. The CDC is recommending to pet owners who have a prairie dog or other animal they believe is showing symptoms of monkeypox, to quarantine the animal in their home and call their state health department for further instructions. The CDC advises pet owners not to relinquish their animal to a shelter, take their animal to a veterinarian or release the animal outdoors. Under no circumstances should any potentially sick animal be released into the wild.

Stephanie Shain, HSUS Director of Outreach for Companion Animals said, “If you are concerned that your pet has been exposed to monkeypox, follow the advice from the CDC and call your state health department. The best thing for all pet owners to do is keep abreast of the information on monkeypox as it becomes available. Staying aware and informed is the best course of action.”

The list of banned rodents includes the following African species: tree squirrels, rope squirrels, dormice, Gambian giant pouched rats, brush-tailed porcupines and striped mice. For more information, visit The CDC Web site at www.cdc.gov or call 800-311-3435.

Viral outbreaks are not the only concern with the import of exotic animals. Reptile-associated salmonellosis is also a public health problem. In the 1970’s, 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.”

The HSUS is the nation's largest animal protection organization with over seven million members and constituents. The HSUS is a mainstream voice for animals, with active programs in companion animals and equine protection; wildlife and habitat protection; animals in research and farm animals and sustainable agriculture. For nearly 50 years, The HSUS has protected all animals through legislation, litigation, investigation, education, advocacy and fieldwork. The non-profit organization is based in Washington, DC and has 10 regional offices across the country. For more information, visit The HSUS’ Web site – www.hsus.org.