President Hayhow sent the following to the ARBA office. We are forwarding
it on to you for your information. There are two separate writings.
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1 -
Message to all ARBA Members
Recently, a foreign animal disease was diagnosed in the United States. The
disease is called monkeypox. It is of paramount importance that everyone
realize that this agent has the ability to infect humans as well as other
animal species (such as the domestic rabbit). The risk of exposure to rabbits
and humans is minimal; however, once exposed to the agent the threat to human
and animal health is great! Thus, the impact on human health has broadened
the awareness and level of caution used during this outbreak. The Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and State Health Officials in each state
are acting quickly to diminish the risk to humans as well as other animal
species, and to stop the outbreak as soon as possible. If this is to be
accomplished in an expeditious manner we need the cooperation of everyone!
Following are recommendations to all ARBA members, rabbit and cavy
enthusiasts, as well as all animal lovers concerning how to evaluate the
impact of this agent on human and animal health.
1. Remain calm and gather as much information as possible so we can all make
educated decisions.
2. Follow the recommendations of your State and Local Health officials to
diminish the risk to you and your animals, as well as the risk to other
members of your community and their animals.
3. If you are concerned about the risk of your animals becoming infected
with this agent then you may want to reduce contact with other animals and
outside visitors. In high-risk areas this may include quarantine of your
herd, and possibly avoiding exhibiting or attending shows until the outbreak
is under control and the risk is reduced.
4. Do not act on rumors and speculation. Gather as much information as
possible so you can conduct a risk assessment and determine the actual risk to
you and your animals.
As additional information is made available you will be updated. Please
remember that the risk to rabbits and humans is minimal; however, once exposed
to the agent the threat to human and animal health is great!
Chris Hayhow, DVM, Ph.D.
ARBA President
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2 -
June 16, 2003
Recently, a new foreign animal disease was diagnosed in the United States.
The disease is called monkeypox. Since this agent has the ability to infect
humans as well as other animal species (such as the domestic rabbit) the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and State Health Officials in
each state are acting quickly to attempt to stop the outbreak. Following is
some pertinent background information on monkeypox, which I obtained from the
CDC website.
The Disease
Monkeypox is a rare viral disease caused by monkeypox virus. The virus can
spread from animals to humans (and sometimes from human to human). In humans,
monkeypox causes fever, headache, backache, and swollen lymph nodes, followed
by a blister-like rash. In some cases, monkeypox can be fatal.
Origins
Monkeypox is found mostly in central and western Africa. The illness was
first noted in monkeys in 1958, which is why it was named monkeypox. However,
other animals can get monkeypox too. The first cases of monkeypox in humans
were seen in 1970.
Monkeypox in the United States
In early June 2003, monkeypox was reported among several people in the United
States. This is the first outbreak of human monkeypox in the United States.
Most of these people became ill after having contact with pet prairie dogs
that were sick. It appears that these prairie dogs might have gotten the
virus from animals brought in from Africa to be sold as pets. The imported
animals include Gambian giant rats, rope squirrels, dormice, and other small
mammals. There is concern that monkeypox might have spread more broadly to
other animals housed together in pet stores, other animal facilities, and "pet
swap" meets. CDC has issued guidelines for pet owners so that they can be on
the lookout for monkeypox symptoms (see below).
Could Your Pet Have Monkeypox?
Public health experts are looking for signs of monkeypox in "exotic mammalian
pets," including prairie dogs, Gambian giant rats, and rope squirrels.
However, other animals that have been in contact with infected members of
these species could be of concern also. The first exposure to ill animals was
reported to have happened on or after April 15, 2003. If you acquired an
exotic mammalian pet (or if your pet was exposed to an ill exotic mammalian
pet) on or after April 15 and is now sick, it is possible they might have
monkeypox.
Symptoms to Look For
Symptoms of monkeypox in animals that have been observed in this outbreak
include:
¨ fever
¨ cough
¨ discharge from the eyes (eyes may appear cloudy or crusty)
¨ swelling in the limbs from enlarged lymph nodes
¨ a bumpy or blister-like rash
Pets that have monkeypox also may appear to be very tired and may not be
eating or drinking.
If You Think Your Pet Has Monkeypox
If your pet could have been exposed to a sick animal and is showing the
symptoms of monkeypox, follow these instructions:
· Separate the animal from people and other animals immediately. (Lock it
in a room or put it in a cage or cardboard box well apart from others, such as
in the garage.)
· Wash your hands well after contact with the animal and any object that may
be contaminated with virus.
· Inform your state or local health department that you think you have a pet
with monkeypox. The health department may pick up the animal, or they may
tell you to take the animal to a vet.
· Do not release your pet into the wild. If it is infected, this could
spread the disease to other animals and people. It is very important that
this disease be contained.
· Do not leave your pet at a shelter. Again, this could spread the disease.
· Do not take your pet to a vet without calling first. The vet must take
precautions to receive your pet.
When taking your pet to the vet you should:
· Call your vet before you go and tell them you think your pet may have
monkeypox (this way they can follow procedures to keep themselves and others
from getting sick.)
· Only one person should travel with the pet, to keep exposure to the pet to
a minimum.
· If possible, put the pet in a cage and place the cage in a cardboard box
with a few air holes.
· Separate the pet from the driver as much as possible.
· Later, clean any surfaces in the car that the animal, its secretions, or
its cage, may have come in contact with and wash your hands thoroughly.
After taking your sick pet to the vet, you'll need to clean the household
areas where it lived. Follow these instructions:
· Contaminated surfaces, such as floors and furniture, should be cleaned and
disinfected using standard household cleaners according to manufacturer's
instructions.
· Wash any clothing or other fabric that may have come in contact with the
sick pet in hot water (hottest possible cycle) with detergent and then dry the
items in a dryer on the hot setting. You can use bleach in the wash cycle as
an extra precaution.
· Food dishes, cages, and other items that may have had contact with the pet
should be washed in hot water with dishwashing detergent.
· If the animal's bedding is not washable, call your local or state health
department to find out how to do this. Follow their instructions for disposal
of potentially contaminated materials.
· When you are done, wash your hands thoroughly.
· Do not throw any potentially contaminated materials away in the trash or
at a dump or landfill. This could spread the disease.
Pet Quarantine
If your pet has potentially been exposed to monkeypox, but is not showing
symptoms of the disease, it still needs to be watched for signs of illness.
Exposure is defined as living in the same house with, or coming from the same
pet store or other pet facility as, an animal known to have monkeypox. Your
pet must be observed for 30 days to be certain it is not infected. This can
be done in the home. Follow these instructions:
· Put your pet in a room with a closed door and keep it away from all other
animals and people for 30 days.
· Limit time spent with the pet. Do not handle the pet. Ask your vet for
advice about protecting yourself when caring for your pet.
· After feeding or otherwise caring for the animal, wash your hands
thoroughly with soap and hot water.
· If the animal gets sick during the 30 days, contact your local or state
health department for instructions.
· During this 30-day period, watch your own health and the health of family
members carefully for signs of monkeypox. If you or someone you have been in
close contact with develops a fever, headache, backache, swollen lymph nodes,
or a rash, contact your health-care provider immediately.
· If you have a weakened immune system for any reason, do not care for or
come into contact with the potentially infected pet. (Cancer treatment, an
organ transplant, HIV infection, primary immune deficiency disorders, some
severe autoimmune disorders, and medications to treat autoimmune disorders and
other illnesses can weaken the immune system.)
If it is too difficult to meet the requirements of home quarantine, contact
your local or state health department for advice on other options.
For help in contacting your local or state health department, visit
www.cdc.gov/other.htm#states.