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There are reportedly 20 cases of monkeypox, a smallpox like virus though less deadly and infectious, found in the Midwest. The Times reports that "several patients in the American outbreak work for veterinarians or pet stores that sold prairie dogs and Gambian rats." Pet prairie dogs, okay, Gothamist knows what those are, though we're iffy on the idea of having them as pets. But Gambian rats? The article says these rats "grow to the size of small cats, eat pet food as well as fruits, vegetables and cooked meats." Rats the size of small cats. Gothamist thinks Gambian rats are a bad idea or they are in severe need of some rebranding - the "rat" in the name isn't doing anything for them.
The CDC says that prairie dogs are spreading monkeypox, so avoid "prairie dogs and Gambian rats that have missing patches of fur, rashes or discharges from their eyes or nose, all signs of the illness."
Gothamist on Monkeypox and West Nile, Gambian Rats, and how prairie dogs might be cute.
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That last sentence sounds like good advice in any context.
In unrelated news...
Congrats Jake on your wired.com mention. Go Artsy-fartsy photo bloggers!!
I'm just back from the Midwest. There seem to be many suffering from some unidentified illness (monkeypox?). The symptoms appear to be a grotesque bloating of the body and a manic desire to put ranch dressing on everything. It was scary.
i think they should call the gambian rats "extra-large long tailed gerbils"
Gambian rats have pouches and are sometimes called "pouched rats," which conjures up about thirty new nightmares. Like "mini four-legged marsupial" would be better.
As for extra large long tailed gerbil, the way I see it being marketed to kids: XXL Gerbils with LONG Tail.
Gambian Rat + youth target branding = The X-Pet
Why in the world would some one WANT a gambian rat for a pet?
That's basically starting point A of Gothamist's argument. Why why why why why.
Hi Jen,
Gambian giant rats aren't marsupials --the "pouched" in one name for them derives from cheek pouches (like those of a hamster) utilized for portage, not associated with maturnity as in marsupials. They are true rodents, and are murids, (including murines (rats, mice)) and cricetines((hamsters, voles, lemmings)).
please advise whether keeping dwarf hamsters is safe. Any chance of getting monkey pox ?
Thanks for the explanation on marsupial. Like the word "chattel," I like to work the word "marsupial" in when I can, but clearly, I need to learn more about biology.
As for Marisa's dwarf hamster question, I would tell you to ask your veternarian. Or call up your local Department of Health.