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Mass. State Regulations Safeguard Against Monkeypox

Existing state regulations are helping to protect Massachusetts residents against the recent outbreak of monkeypox in the Midwest. MDAR's Bureau of Animal Health continues to work with the state Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Environmental Law Enforcement (DFWELE) and the Department of Public Health to enforce state regulations that safeguard against foreign animal and zoonotic diseases.

The Midwest outbreak occurred after an imported Gambian rat transmitted the virus to prairie dogs at a pet wholesaler in Illinois. The virus was later transmitted to humans who came in contact with the animals after retail purchase.

Pet shops in Massachusetts are not allowed to sell prairie dogs. Massachusetts wildlife regulations prohibit the importation of prairie dogs into the Commonwealth except under a permit from DFWELE.

The Bureau of Animal Health has checked with Illinois authorities and has determined that no prairie dogs or Gambian rats from the Illinois wholesaler have been sent to Massachusetts. A raccoon from this wholesaler was brought into Massachusetts illegally and has been confiscated by MassWildlife officials.

The risk of public exposure to monkeypox in Massachusetts is deemed to be extremely low.

The likelihood that veterinarians will see animals with monkeypox is also extremely low, however guidance for veterinarians is available on the CDC website.

Monkeypox is a rare viral disease that is found mostly in the rainforest countries of central and west Africa. The disease is called “monkeypox” because it was discovered in laboratory monkeys in 1958. It can be transmitted from animals to humans.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), people can get monkeypox from an infected animal through a bite or direct contact with the infected animal’s blood, body fluids, or lesions. The disease is related to smallpox but is rarely fatal and is much less likely to be spread from person to person.

Related Links:

• Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Monkeypox page

• CDC Guidance for Veterinarians

• Massachusetts Division of Fisheries, Wildlife and Environmental Law Enforcement

• Massachusetts Department of Public Health

• Wisconsin Department of Agriculture news release on monkeypox