Monkeypox Brings Rodent Embargo

[zakur]

Monkeypox Brings Rodent Embargo (http://www.sltrib.com/2003/Jun/06122003/nation_w/65410.asp)

The headline is almost satirical.

The sales ban on prairie dogs (I had no idea they were even kept as pets) does not bode well for the small group of Texas prairie-dog harvesters. Commerce in African rodents has been halted as well.

Will we see a rise in illicit rodent trading? A furry black market?

Imagine a shady character in long, dark trench coat, loitering on the sidewalk near a dark alley. As you walk by, he steps out.

"Pssst! Hey, buddy."

You hesitate as he opens one side of his trench coat, revealing rows of African rodents in small cages.

"Wanna buy a Gambian rat? Monkeypox free."

[KillerBob]

I'm in Texas. Need a prairie dog? I can hook you up, but it'll cost you. These are some high grade p-dogs I'm talking 'bout.

Tell me what you need.

[Segnosaur]

I think this whole "Monkey Pox" thing is just pure jealousy on the part of the United States.

Look at all the fun Asia and Canada have had with SARS. And how many deaths have they had from it in the US? Zero!

So they have to artificially create an epidemic in order to feel normal. Disgusting I tell you.

[KillerBob]

Ever notice how they blame Africa for all diseases?

AIDS, monkeypox. I'm sure someone will find a way to blame them for SARS next.

I mean, shouldn't it be prairiedogpox? What's up with that?


Thank you, thank you. You've been a great audience. Next show's at 11. Have a good night everyone!

[aggle_rithm]

Damn! There goes my weekend. ;)

[SteveW]

It sure is a catchy name though! I love just saying "Monkeypox" - it really rolls off the tongue.

[kittynh]

My 12 year old says that they need a scarier name than Monkeypox!!!!

I'm beginning to look at my large guinea pig population differently...

are they a good alternative for the prairie dog lovers?
or are they harboring their own deadly virus?

Carrotpox?

[shanek]

Wait...There actually is a disease called Monkey Pox??? Man, I'd been making that as a weird joke for years...

This is kind of like the time I found out there was such a thing as Purina Monkey Chow.

[LW]

Originally posted by KillerBob
Ever notice how they blame Africa for all diseases?

Umm. No. Central and SE Asia also gets quite bad rap in media, and not without reason.

BTW, there are areas in the SW US where the prairie dog populations carry bubonic plague, so I wouldn't go near one even if there wasn't any new diseases.