Abstract

There are public health issues related to the importation and secondary distribution of several species of that are of particular public health concern. Megachiropteran species are of renewed interest due to recent isolations of morbilli- and lyssa-viruses in Australian species. There is reported interest in commercial trade in Pteropus species for human consumption. Traffic in exotic rodent importations for zoologic and commercial uses is being examined more closely in association with recent outbreaks of leptospirosis (Central America), plague (Central Africa), and arenavirus diseases (Central Europe, Latin America). Large and venomous exotic reptiles and arachnids (snakes, scorpions, and large lizards) can cause human injury and death. Zoologic and laboratory species of primates have been reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in association with “pet-animal” bite injuries to private citizens.