24/06/2003 (Agence Europe) - Last week, the Standing Committee for the Food Chain and Animal Welfare decided to ban imports into the EU of prairie dogs (Cynomys sp.) from the USA, non-domestic rodents and squirrels from sub-Saharan Africa, species that are likely to spread Monkeypox virus. This decision is expected to be confirmed shortly by the European Commission. Monkeypox virus is an animal disease that is currently absent from the EU.