REYNOLDSBURG, Ohio -- Ohio Agriculture Director Fred L. Dailey has banned until further notice the intra-state shipment of rodents shipped or received from MidSouth Distributors of Ohio, LLC or from MidSouth Distributors of Arkansas, LLC from February 2005 to present.

The proclamation was issued to prevent the spread of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV), which was confirmed in hamsters at MidSputh Distributors of Ohio, LLC, a pet distributor in Norwich, Ohio, in July. LCMV can unknowingly be transferred from pet rodents to humans. Humans typically show flu like symptoms, but it can be extremely dangerous to humans with suppressed immune systems, or cause fetal abnormalities in pregnant women.

The proclamtion includes transportation, display, sale, distribution, or release into the environment of hamsters, dwarf hamsters, guinea pigs, or mice within Ohio from MidSouth. It also includes rodents, that shared the same cage or habitat, had adjacent cages, animals which may have cross-contamination (such as inadequate hand washing from humans), animals that were placed in cages before the cages had benn disinfected, or animals that may have been exposed to potentially contaminated bedding, food dishes, toys, etc.

Consumers with questions regarding human health are urged to call the Ohio Department of Health at 1.888.732.4371, report illness to your local health department, or consult with a doctor. People who have purchased hamsters, dwarf hamsters, guinea pigs, or mice, may contact their pet store of purchase to determine the source of rodents. Consumers who think they purchased a rodent that came from this distributor or have questions should consult with their veterinarian. For other questions, call ODA's Animal industry Division at 614.728.6220.