Fatal virus found in Ohio hamsters

Four more hamsters from an Ohio pet distribution center have tested positive for a virus blamed in the deaths of three New England organ recipients, the state agriculture department said Thursday. The center’s 4,000 small pets will be killed to prevent the virus from spreading.

Last week, agriculture officials said a hamster linked to the three deaths came from Mid-South Distributors of Ohio, leading to testing of all the animals. Officials believe the organ donor caught the virus from her hamster, and it was transmitted to the recipients.