OHIO State prohibits the sale and release of prairie dogs, other exotic rodents

The Ohio Department of Agriculture has prohibited the transportation, sale, distribution, exhibit or release into the environment of prairie dogs and six other exotic rodents until further notice.
Also, Fred L. Dailey, department director, officially designated monkeypox a dangerously contagious or infectious animal disease, which must be reported under state law.
"We are taking every course of action available to protect the public and our state's domesticated animals and wildlife from any further spread of monkeypox," Dailey said.
Dailey's orders follow a June 11 resolutions by the Centers for Disease Control and Federal Drug Administration banning the sale in all states of prairie dogs, as well as the following rodents from Africa: Tree squirrels, rope squirrels, dormice, Gambian giant pouched rats, brush-tailed porcupines and striped mice.
Infected prairie dogs will become ill, showing cold- or flulike symptoms, including sneezing and signs of eye infection. Owners of prairie dogs are being asked to consult with a veterinarian and report symptoms of illness to the Ohio Department of Agriculture at (614) 728-6220 or toll free at (800) 300-9755.
The prohibition does not apply to zoos accredited by the American Zoological Association, to individuals who transport animals for veterinary care, or to those instructed otherwise by federal, state or local government authorities.
It is illegal to keep prairie dogs in Ohio unless they are sterilized or are incapable of reproducing.