Hong Kong — An autopsy report has confirmed that the sudden deaths of nine monkeys at the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens were caused by a bacterial infection, melioidosis. The findings, released by officials on October 19, follow the deaths of eight monkeys on October 13, and another the following day. Among the dead were critically endangered cotton-top tamarins, a De Brazza’s monkey, a common squirrel monkey, and three white-faced sakis.
The bacterial infection, caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, is primarily spread through contact with contaminated soil or water. According to Mr. Kevin Yeung, Hong Kong’s Secretary for Culture, Sports, and Tourism, the infection does not typically transmit between animals and humans or from person to person.
The zoo, Hong Kong’s oldest park established in 1871, went into lockdown after zookeepers noticed unusual behavior and a lack of appetite in the animals. The mammal section of the park was closed off for disinfection and testing, while health officials worked to confirm the cause of the deaths.
Zoo officials suspect the bacteria was disturbed during renovation work earlier in the month near the monkeys’ enclosure. It is believed that contaminated soil was spread through workers’ shoes, leading to the infection. While initial tests on the zoo’s food, water, and soil came back negative, further bacterial culture tests are ongoing.
The Centre for Health Protection tested 17 samples from the deceased monkeys, all of which tested positive for Burkholderia pseudomallei. Zoo officials have separated the surviving monkeys and implemented enhanced cleaning and safety measures to prevent further outbreaks.
Health authorities have reassured the public that the outbreak poses no immediate risk to human health. However, they advised people to take precautions, such as wearing protective clothing when dealing with soil or muddy water, especially after storms, which can carry the bacteria. The park continues to monitor the situation while the source of the outbreak is thoroughly investigated.