see also: in June 2003:   Government of Sri Lanka Joins Container Security Initiative to Begin Targeting and Pre-Screening Cargo Destined for U.S.   Second Italian CSI Port Operational, La Spezia to Begin Targeting and Pre-Screening Cargo Destined for U.S.   Italy Implements the Container Security Initiative and Begins to Target and Pre-Screen Cargo Destined for U.S.   CBP, Mexican Customs, Rail Officials Dedicate New Rail Inspection Building   Secretary Ridge Announces Container Security Initiative's Phase II   Kingdom of Thailand Joins Container Security Initiative to Target and Pre-Screen Cargo Destined for U.S. ...more on cbp.gov:   Press Officers   CBP News Releases on the web:   CDC Web site - Monkeypox

contacts for this news release

Washington, D.C.--U.S. Customs and Border Protection has joined the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to enforce the embargo on importation of all rodents from Africa, in an effort to prevent further spread of the monkeypox virus in the U.S.

The embargo was imposed because at least six different species of potentially infected rodents have been implicated in the current outbreak of monkeypox virus in humans. As of June 13, 2003, 72 human cases of monkeypox virus infection are under investigation by the CDC. From the results of a preliminary trace-back investigation, it appears the source of the infection began with a shipment of rodent species from Africa and secondary infection of native prairie dogs sold as pets, and then to humans as a result of close contact.

Responding to the Joint CDC and FDA Order, U. S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Robert C. Bonner said, “As the single unified border agency protecting America, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has front line responsibility for preventing entry of prohibited commodities, including animals, at all U S ports of entry." The Commissioner added, "Our inspectors will be on alert to make sure these embargoed animals do not enter the U.S." In conclusion, Commissioner Bonner said, “CBP front line inspectors will partner with CDC and other agencies, to protect Americans from further threat and spread of this virus."

Customs and Border Protection, acting under CDC and FDA guidelines, has issued detailed instructions to all its field offices throughout the country, outlining specific procedures to follow should any of the banned animals be detected at any port of entry.

Human monkeypox, a condition not seen in this country until now, is a rare viral disease that occurs primarily in the rain forest countries of central and west Africa. In humans, the illness produces a rash similar to that of smallpox, although symptoms and outcomes are usually not as severe.

Alerts and detailed instructions for veterinarians, state departments of agriculture, and other related agencies have been distributed by the CDC. Information is also available on the CDC web site at www.cdc.gov/ncidod/monkeypox. A public response hotline has been set up at 888-246-2675 (English), 888-246-2857 (Espanol) or 866-874-2646 (TTY).

Customs and Border Protection has nearly 27,600 officers and inspectors, including Border Patrol agents, Agricultural inspectors, Immigration inspectors, and Customs officers.

Part of the Department of Homeland Security, CBP is responsible for examining all incoming trade and people at over 300 ports of entry; for securing America’s border; apprehending individuals attempting to enter the United States illegally; stemming the flow of illegal drugs and other contraband; protecting our agricultural resources from harmful animal and plant pests and diseases, and enforcing U.S. trade laws. CBP's mission is vitally important to the protection of American lives and livelihoods.