Monkeypox is a rare viral disease that is caused by Monkeypox virus. It belongs to a group of viruses that includes the smallpox virus (variola), the virus used in the smallpox vaccine (vaccinia), and the cowpox virus.

The disease occurs mostly in central and western Africa.  Monkeypox infections occurred in the U.S. in 2003 and appear to have originated from imported African rodents that were exposed to pet prairie dogs infected with monkeypox.

The symptoms of a sick animal include listlessness, ocular and nasal discharges, cough, hair loss sometimes accompanied by scabs, and pneumonia.  Look for nodules similar to mosquito bites and inflammation of the lymph glands.

The import of any rodent of African origin into the United States is illegal. The prohibition also applies to rodents whose native habitat is in Africa, even if those rodents were born elsewhere. These animals may still be imported for scientific, exhibition, or educational purposes with a valid permit issued by CDC.

Monkeypox virus: Agency directive