Michigan Department of Community Health Emergency Order Regarding Monkeypox Prevention

STATE OF MICHIGAN
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY HEALTH

ORDER FINDING IMMINENT DANGER TO THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND REQUIRING CORRECTIVE ACTION

This order is made pursuant to Section 2251 of the Public Health Code, Public Act 368 of 1978, being MCL 333.2251.
Matters of concern to the health of Michigan citizens having been brought to the attention of the Director of the Department of Community Health, and the Director having made the following determinations:

1) Rodents (order Rodentia) from Africa capable of transmitting monkeypox virus to humans have been imported into the United States;

2) In the United States, the monkeypox virus has been diagnosed in Prairie dogs (Cynomys sp.), which are capable of transmitting the monkeypox virus to humans and other species;

3) Individuals in states neighboring the State of Michigan, including Wisconsin, Indiana, and Illinois, have been diagnosed as having contracted monkeypox;

4) The following eight species may be capable of transmitting the monkeypox virus to humans:
· Brush-tailed porcupines (Atherurus sp.)
· Dormices (Graphiurus sp.)
· Gambian giant pouched rats (Cricetomys sp.)
· Prairie dogs (Cynomys sp.)
· Rabbits (Family Leporidae)
· Rope squirrels (Funisciurus sp.)
· Striped mice (Hybomys sp.)
· Tree squirrels (Heliosciurus sp.)

5) All residents of the State of Michigan are at risk of exposure to the monkeypox virus through exposure to animals that may be capable of transmitting the virus to humans;

6) This condition or practice could reasonably be expected to cause death, disease, or serious physical harm immediately or before the imminence of the danger can be eliminated through enforcement procedures otherwise provided;

7) This situation constitutes an imminent danger to the health or lives of residents of the State of Michigan; and

8) This determination is based on information provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and David R. Johnson, M.D., Chief Medical Executive, Michigan Department of Community Health.

Now, Therefore, It Is Hereby Ordered that:
A) The Intra-state transportation, display, sale, any other distribution (including exchanges with or without remuneration), or release into the environment of animals belonging to the following species IS PROHIBITED until further order:
· Brush-tailed porcupines (Atherurus sp.)
· Dormices (Graphiurus sp.)
· Gambian giant pouched rats (Cricetomys sp.)
· Prairie dogs (Cynomys sp.)
· Rabbits (Family Leporidae)
· Rope squirrels (Funisciurus sp.)
· Striped mice (Hybomys sp.)
· Tree squirrels (Heliosciurus sp.)

B) This order does not apply to the transportation of the listed species to veterinarians or animal control officials.  Also, it does not apply to authorized employees and agents of the Michigan Departments of Community Health, Agriculture, and Natural Resources in the discharge of their official duties.

C) This order does not apply to rabbits (Family Leporidae) only when:
1) Used by U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulated or U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulated research facilities.
2) Raised for food production in colonies closed before April 15, 2003, to outside animals.
3) Shown at fairs or exhibitions operating pursuant to Public Act 466 of 1988, being MCL 287.701, et seq, as amended (The Animal Industry Act), if each rabbit at such a fair or exhibition has a daily health examination from an accredited, licensed veterinarian.

D) A copy of this order shall be delivered to newspapers of general circulation and other news media;

E) A copy of this order may be posted in a prominent location at sites where animals may be sold, distributed, or exchanged.

F) This order may be amended to include other species as additional information about monkeypox and its transmission is acquired.

Pursuant to Section 2261 of the Public Health Code, Public Act 368 of 1978, being MCL 333.2261, a person who violates this order is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than 6 months, or a fine of not more than $200.00 or both.

Dated:  June 13, 2003     
Janet Olszewski, Director,
Michigan Department of Community Health