Prevention and control of mousepox

The prevention and control of mousepox begins with investigators being aware of the disease's existence and its serious nature for users of mice and mouse tissues. Every institution must include as part of its management policy, provisions to ascertain that mice and mouse tissues entering its facilities are free of ectromelia virus. Policy must encompass the entire institution, be clearly stated, and must be workable. The provisions of this policy include the establishment of a disease surveillance program which actively searches for disease or virus in incoming mice and mouse tissues from untested sources. Complete records of receipts of animals and animal tissues must be maintained. There must be open and honest communication among investigators concerning the presence of mousepox (and other diseases) in their mice and tumors. Decisions must be based on accurate information. The elimination of mousepox within an institution may be difficult, and a single plan applicable to all situations cannot be given. However, the basics of all control measures include the following: recognition that mousepox represents an institutional problem, not the problem of only a single or a few investigators; rapid notification of all investigators involved, including those who may have received infected mice; confirmation of the diagnosis and notification of the scientific community of the disease's existence. Strategies for dealing with mousepox depend on the nature of the mice infected. Euthanasia of mice which can be replaced and vaccination of extremely valuable breeding stock are suggested.