OHIO DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 16, 2003
Media Contact: Melanie Wilt, ODA Communications, 614-752-9817

Ohio Agriculture Director Signs Emergency Order
Restricting Movement of Animals Posing Risk of Monkeypox 

REYNOLDSBURG – Ohio Agriculture Director Fred L. Dailey has issued a proclamation that prohibits the transportation, sale, distribution, exhibit, or release into the environment of prairie dogs and six other exotic rodents until further notice. Also, he officially designated monkeypox a dangerously contagious or infectious animal disease, which must be reported under state law. 

“We are taking every course of action available to protect the public and our state’s domesticated animals and wildlife from any further spread of monkeypox,” Dailey said. “These common sense restrictions should prevent more human or animal exposure to a potentially dangerous virus.” 

Dailey’s order follows a June 11 resolution by the CDC and FDA banning the sale in all states of prairie dogs and the following rodents from Africa: tree squirrels (Heliosciurus sp.); rope squirrels (Funisciurus sp.); dormices (Graphiurus sp.); Gambian giant pouched rats (Cricetomys sp.); brush-tailed porcupines (Atherurus sp.); and striped mice (Hybomys sp.). 

The prohibition, effective June 14, does not apply to zoos accredited by the American Zoological Association, to individuals who transport the animals for veterinary care, or to those instructed otherwise by federal, state, or local government authorities. 

Already, it was illegal in Ohio to import animals recently exposed to any infectious, contagious, or parasitic diseases. The prairie dog, a burrowing herbivore that can ruin a farm field, is officially designated by the state as a destructive plant pest. It is illegal to keep prairie dogs in Ohio unless they are sterilized or are incapable of reproducing.  

Infected prairie dogs will become ill, showing cold- or flu-like symptoms, including sneezing and signs of eye infection. Owners of prairie dogs are being asked to consult with a veterinarian and report symptoms of illness to the Ohio Department of Agriculture at 614-728-6220 or toll-free at 1-800-300-9755.  

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