Nine monkeys at the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens have tragically passed away due to contracting melioidosis, according to the government. Melioidosis is a disease that can affect both humans and animals, but in this case, it seems to be contained within the zoo.
The Secretary for Culture, Sports, and Tourism, Kevin Yeung, revealed that the monkeys tested positive for melioidosis after undergoing necropsies and toxicological diagnoses. The infection is believed to have originated from contaminated soil brought into the primate cages during soil digging work in early October.
It was mentioned that melioidosis is typically transmitted through contact with contaminated soil and surface water, rather than through person-to-person or animal-to-person contact. The incubation period for the infection is around a week, which matches the timeframe between the monkeys’ death and the soil digging work.
The Assistant Director on inspection and quarantine at the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, Thomas Sit, clarified that other viral infections such as Influenza A virus, Mpox, and Covid-19 were ruled out. The cause of death was determined to be sepsis induced by the presence of Burkholderia pseudomallei, the bacteria responsible for melioidosis.
Although the incident is considered isolated, the Center for Health Protection of the Department of Health confirmed that 17 samples collected from the monkeys tested positive for melioidosis. However, food, water, and soil samples from the zoo tested negative for the bacteria.
The controller of the Center for Health Protection, Edwin Tsui, reassured the public that this event is contained within the zoo and should not cause undue alarm among residents. He also emphasized the importance of wearing protective gear when in contact with soil and contaminated water, as melioidosis is endemic in Hong Kong.
The affected monkeys included critically endangered cotton-top tamarins, a De Brazza’s monkey, a common squirrel monkey, and white-faced sakis. The zoo has taken precautionary measures by closing off the mammals section and disinfecting the animal cages.
In conclusion, while this is a tragic event, the authorities are working to contain the situation and ensure the health and safety of both the animals and the public. Residents are advised to remain cautious when in contact with soil and water to prevent the spread of melioidosis.