Hong Kong - 12 monkeys died from melioidosisin at the Zoological and Botanical Gardens (HKZBG)

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Eight monkeys found dead at Hong Kong zoo, government says

By Reuters
October 14, 20242:43 AM CSTUpdated 12 hours ago

HONG KONG, Oct 14 (Reuters) - Hong Kong authorities are carrying out tests to find out what killed eight monkeys, which were found dead in the city's oldest zoo on Sunday, the government said on Monday.
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https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/eight-monkeys-found-dead-hong-kong-zoo-government-says-2024-10-14/

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Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) announced today (October 14) that eight animals were found dead in the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens (HKZBG) yesterday (October 13), including one De Brazza’s Monkey, one Common Squirrel Monkey, three Cotton-top Tamarins and three White-faced Sakis. The LCSD had liaised with the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department. Necropsy and laboratory tests have been arranged immediately to help find out their cause of death.

While awaiting test results, the Mammals Section of the HKZBG will be closed from today for disinfection and cleaning works. We will also closely monitor the health conditions of other animals. During this period, other facilities of the HKZBG will remain open.


October 14, 2024

https://www.hkzbg.gov.hk/en/

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Nine monkeys died in a park in Hong Kong in recent days, thought to be poisoned, the Chief Executive also spoke out

After eight monkeys died of unknown causes at the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens on the same day, another white-faced saki monkey died yesterday morning (14th), and another white-rumped long-tailed monkey had abnormal activity and appetite and needed to be observed. The Hong Kong government held an emergency meeting and decided to speed up the autopsy and toxicology tests in the hope of determining the cause of the accident as soon as possible; many experts believe that the incident is more likely to be monkey poisoning, but it is difficult to infer whether it is human or environmental factors. Chief Executive John Lee also emphasized this morning that the most important thing now is for the chemist to complete the toxicology test as soon as possible, and the news will be announced as soon as possible.

Published:15/10/2024 - 10:23
author:
Hong Kong special correspondent Mak Yin-ting

The mass death of monkeys in the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens has caused concern, especially the white-faced saki, which has a strong digestive ability and is known as "immune to all poisons". The second highest number of deaths was three critically endangered cotton-top tamarins, of which there are only about 2,000 in the world. The death of nine monkeys of four species within two days has reduced the number of mammals in the park by 10%, and the remaining 80 animals are in normal health.

The Hong Kong government is also highly concerned about the mass death of monkeys. The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Kevin Yeung, convened an emergency inter-departmental meeting yesterday afternoon to respond. Before attending the meeting this morning, Chief Executive John Lee said that Secretary Yeung would be responsible for the command and coordination of this incident. He continued that the most important thing now is to do three things. The first is containment to prevent the spread of the situation, so the park has been sealed and the cages have been cleaned and disinfected; the second is to carry out appropriate control and continue to monitor the on-site environment, and staff must also do preventive work, including wearing protective equipment and clothing; the third is to find out the cause of death of the animals as soon as possible, including autopsy and toxicological testing, in order to understand the real cause of their death.

The reason why monkeys suddenly died

Many experts and veterinarians estimate that the mass death of monkeys may involve environmental factors, poisoning or infection with infectious diseases. Among them, it is more likely that the monkeys were poisoned because if they were infected with viruses or bacteria, they would become sick and die in batches rather than die overnight. However, it is currently difficult to determine whether the poisoning was caused by human factors or environmental factors.

However, registered veterinarian Lin Pei said on a radio program this morning that sudden death of animals can involve many factors, one of which is the infectious virus Leptospirosis. She pointed out that this virus can cause sudden death of animals and accumulate in the excretion of monkeys, cats and dogs. When other animals eat food or water contaminated by these secretions, they have the chance to be infected.

She also said that animals may also die of poisoning by ingesting pesticides or toxic substances, if there is a problem with the water source or food storage method, or if someone accidentally or deliberately feeds toxic food, such as chocolate, avocado and fruit pits, which makes it difficult for animals to digest and die. She also did not rule out the possibility that the monkeys were infected after being placed in cages with diseased mice, emphasizing that the true cause is still pending test results.

In addition, Deng Meijuan, a lecturer at the School of Biomedical Sciences of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, said in another radio program that monkeys continued to die after the zoo suspended the opening of the mammal area, and it is expected that the monkeys could be ruled out as poisoned by tourists feeding them the wrong food. She speculated that the monkeys might have been infected with the virus and were not detected by the keepers during the incubation period, leading to the serious consequences this time.

The Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens found eight monkeys dead on the 13th and suspended the mammal area the next day; but on the 14th, two more monkeys were found to be abnormal, one of which died, while the other, a white-naped long-tailed monkey, continued to be monitored. In the incident, a total of nine animals died, including four white-faced saki monkeys, three cotton-top tamarins, a white-naped long-tailed monkey and a squirrel monkey.

Among them, the death of white-faced saki monkeys was the most surprising, and the number was as high as four. According to online information, white-faced saki monkeys are the "king of anti-poison" in nature, because their stomachs can secrete a variety of digestive enzymes to neutralize various toxins, and their kidneys can metabolize some indigestible toxins and excrete them out of the body, so they are exaggerated as "immune to all poisons." According to the information from the Zoological and Botanical Park, white-faced saki monkeys live in the rainforest, where they feed on fruits, honey, flowers and small animals. They are extremely flexible and can jump between branches up to ten meters apart, so they are generally called "flying monkeys" in their place of origin.

The Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens, also known as Bingtou Garden, was established in early 1871 and is the oldest park in Hong Kong. Currently, about half of the 5.6-hectare park is used for animal breeding, including about 158 birds, 93 mammals and 21 reptiles.

https://www.rfi.fr/cn/%E6%B8%AF%E6%BE%B3%E5%8F%B0/20241015-%E9%A6%99%E6%B8%AF%E4%B8%80%E5%85%AC%E5%9B%AD%E8%BF%9E%E6%97%A5%E7%B4%AF%E8%AE%A19%E7%8C%B4%E4%BA%A1-%E6%96%99%E4%B8%AD%E6%AF%92-%E7%89%B9%E9%A6%96%E4%BA%A6%E5%BC%80%E8%85%94

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Monkey death incident: Li Jiachao said that the containment problem needs to be properly controlled and the cause of death needs to be found as soon as possible

2024-10-15 HKT 10:23


A total of nine monkeys have died in the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens. Chief Executive Lee Ka-chiu said that the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism chaired an inter-departmental meeting yesterday to hear the latest reports from the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department and the Department of Health. He believes that there are several points at present. Work needs to be done, including containing the problem and preventing it from expanding further. At present, the relevant park has been enclosed and cleaned and disinfected.

Before attending the executive meeting, Li Jiachao said that the second step is to carry out proper control. In addition to cleaning and disinfection, the situation must also be monitored. Staff must do a good job of protection and wear appropriate protective equipment and clothes. He said that the third step is to find out the cause of the monkey's death as soon as possible and conduct an autopsy and toxicological analysis. Experts have started working and hope to complete the toxicological test as soon as possible to know the cause of death and prescribe appropriate medicines for treatment.

Li Jiachao said that the director of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau will direct and coordinate the incident, and if there are new developments and related measures, they will be announced as soon as possible.

https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/ch/component/k2/1774553-20241015.htm?spTabChangeable=0

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2024-10-17

Experts speculate that nine monkeys died mysteriously in the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens: infectious disease or poisoning

Reporter Wu Yuxian/Comprehensive Report

The rare incident of nine monkeys of different species dying in succession at the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens recently shocked the whole of Hong Kong and aroused widespread public concern. The dead monkey species include white-rumped vervet monkeys (also known as De's vervet monkeys), squirrel monkeys, cotton-top tamarins (also known as velvet-top tamarins) and white-faced monk monkeys. Experts speculate that it may be related to infectious diseases and food. Related to poisoning. At present, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), the competent authority, has urgently closed the mammal area of the zoo and launched a comprehensive disinfection and investigation to try to find out the exact cause of death.

A total of nine monkeys died in the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens within two days from October 13 to 14. According to a report from the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the dead monkeys included one white-rumped vervet monkey, one squirrel monkey, three cotton-top tamarins and four white-faced monk monkeys. In addition, another white-rumped vervet monkey showed abnormal reactions and loss of appetite, and has been quarantined and observed by the park.

On October 14, the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of Hong Kong, Mr Yang Yun-****, held an emergency inter-departmental meeting to listen to reports from the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department and the Department of Health, and discuss further response measures. At the meeting, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department pointed out that the park has stepped up monitoring of the conditions of other animals, carried out comprehensive cleaning and disinfection of the cages, and will closely monitor the health of the animals in the park.

The park emphasized that other facilities are open as usual, but in order to prevent further spread of infection, relevant staff have worn protective equipment and strictly monitored their health conditions. The park also stated that the current health status of the 80 animals in the park is normal, but will continue to be monitored to ensure that no animals will have abnormalities.

In response to this rare mass death event, several veterinarians and experts have proposed a variety of possible causes. Veterinarian Li Changsheng said in an interview with Sing Tao Daily that it is very rare for monkeys of different species to die collectively in a short period of time. This may involve a variety of factors, including infectious diseases, environmental problems or food poisoning. He specifically pointed out that a bacterium called "Leptospirillum" may be the culprit of this death. The bacterium is mainly carried by mice and can be transmitted to monkeys, cats, dogs and other animals, and the mortality rate after infection is extremely high.

Li Changsheng believes that the possibility of monkeypox virus is low, because although monkeypox once appeared in monkeys, it is now mainly spread among humans, and monkeys infected with monkeypox will show obvious symptoms, such as skin lesions, etc. This is inconsistent with the current status of dead monkeys. Li Changsheng also suggested that food poisoning or drinking contaminated water are also possible causes. He pointed out that some outsiders may intentionally or unintentionally feed unsuitable food, such as avocados or chocolate containing toxins, which may cause acute poisoning in monkeys. In view of the management measures in the park, the possibility of biological security loopholes has not yet been ruled out. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct a detailed inspection of the monkeys' living environment to see if there are potential safety hazards.

Environmental and management issues may also have contributed to the deaths. According to the analysis of veterinarian Lin Pei, the temperature in Hong Kong has not been high recently, so the possibility of monkeys suffering from heatstroke due to weather problems is low. However, she noted that too humid weather could prevent the monkeys from dissipating heat, exacerbating the risk of heatstroke. In addition, Lin Pei believes that problems with water sources and food storage methods may also lead to the death of monkeys. These problems may come from loopholes in daily management or external interference.

Lin Pei also emphasized that animals in captivity, especially primates, increase the risk of disease transmission due to small space and frequent interactions. A study published in Ecology Letters in 2022 also supports Lin Pei’s view. The study points out that the risk of disease transmission is higher in captive animals than in wild animals, especially in zoos, because pathogens spread more easily between similar species, and human intervention may also be one of the factors that contribute to the spread of disease.

Similar cases have occurred in zoos in other countries. In August 2023, three primates died of bacillary dysentery at the Jacksonville Zoo in Florida, USA. The disease, caused by Shigella bacteria, spreads particularly quickly among primates through contaminated water, food or surfaces and only requires exposure to small amounts of the bacteria to cause disease.

Lin Pei pointed out that although it has not yet been determined whether the mass death of monkeys in Hong Kong is related to similar infectious diseases, the risk of animal disease transmission in a captive environment cannot be ignored. She suggested that the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens should refer to the management experience of other internationally renowned zoos and conduct regular sampling tests of food and water sources to ensure that these key resources are not contaminated.

In the face of external suggestions, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department stated that it will further strengthen the management measures of the zoo in the future, and will work closely with the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department and the Department of Health to promptly adjust the biosecurity measures in the park based on laboratory test results. At present, relevant departments have accelerated the process of autopsy and toxicology tests, hoping to determine the cause of death of these nine monkeys in the short term.

BY WU YUXIAN
2024-10-17

https://animal-friendly.co/exhibited/47073/

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9 monkeys died due to melioidosis, authorities rule out food poisoning and other causes

2024-10-18 HKT 18:03

Yang Runxiong said that the infection route of melioidosis is through contact with contaminated soil and water sources.

Nine monkeys have died in the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens. Yang Runxiong, director of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, said that after autopsy, it was confirmed that they died of septicemia caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei. Food poisoning and other viruses have been ruled out, and he was sad about this.

Yang Runxiong said that the infection route of melioidosis is through contact with contaminated soil and water sources, but it will not be transmitted from person to person or animal to person. He also said that in early October, the soil plowing work was carried out to repair the irrigation pipes under the flower beds. It was possible that the shoes worn by the staff were stained with relevant soil, and that one of the monkeys contained a high concentration of germs and was related to Close contact with other animals resulted in multiple monkeys becoming infected with melioidosis.

He also said that the incubation period of melioidosis in primates is about one week, which coincides with the time after soil plowing, and the latest soil sample test results were negative.

Yang Runxiong said that the Leisure and Cultural Services Department has taken a number of preventive measures, including closing the mammal area, comprehensively disinfecting and cleaning the farmhouse involved, and arranging employees to wear appropriate protective equipment. He also mentioned that the current employees are in normal health and have tested positive for melioidosis. Negative.

https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/ch/component/k2/1775186-20241018.htm

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The authorities said the monkey's death was caused by an animal epidemic in a single park and the impact on the public was minimal, and urged people not to worry.

2024-10-18 HKT 18:14

Nine monkeys have died in the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens. After dissecting the animal bodies, the authorities confirmed that they died of septicemia caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei.

The Director of the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health, Tsui Lok-kin, said that the staff of the Zoological and Botanical Gardens are in good health and there is nothing abnormal. According to information, this is an infectious disease incident among animals in a single park. It is temporarily believed that the impact on the public is very low and the public does not need to worry too much.

Tsui Lok-kin pointed out that as of the day before yesterday, there were 19 human cases of melioidosis in Hong Kong this year. They are sporadic cases and there is no special upward trend. Last year, there were 17 reported cases.

He said that melioidosis is an endemic disease in Hong Kong and exists in the soil of Hong Kong. Citizens with wounds can be infected through skin contact, so they must maintain personal hygiene. In addition, they may be infected by eating uncooked or bacterially contaminated food or drinking contaminated water. Citizens are advised to take preventive measures to reduce the risk of infection. Melioidosis can be treated with antibiotics, and the public is urged to seek medical treatment if they have any doubts.

https://gbcode.rthk.hk/TuniS/news.rthk.hk/rthk/ch/component/k2/1775189-20241018.htm?spTabChangeable=0

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Nine monkeys infected with melioidosis caused leukemia and died

October 18, 2024

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Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Yang Yunxiong pointed out that pathological diagnosis, autopsy and laboratory results showed that the nine monkeys that died earlier in the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens died of leukemia caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei. The authorities believe that the monkey's illness may be related to the nearby earth-moving project.

Eight monkeys died suddenly at the Zoological and Botanical Park on the 13th of this month. Two more monkeys were unwell and were quarantined, and one of them died the next day. When meeting the media today, Yang Runxiong said that the bureau held an emergency inter-departmental meeting with the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, and the Department of Health on the 14th of this month to respond to the incident. After the relevant departments conducted anatomy, pathological diagnosis and laboratory tests, the monkey was found The organs and tissues contained large amounts of Burkholderia pseudomallei, and it was determined that they died of leukemia caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei.

Yang Runxiong said that at the beginning of this month, the Zoological and Botanical Park carried out soil plowing work to repair the irrigation pipes under the flower beds near the cages. During this period, the shoes worn by employees in the mammal area may be stained with soil after digging, and then the soil may be brought into the cages, or the infected monkeys may have high concentrations of germs in their bodies and infect other monkeys when they have close contact with them.

He explained that the incubation period of melioidosis in primates is about one week, which coincides with the time after soil plowing at the beginning of this month. Therefore, the death of monkeys infected with melioidosis may be related to the soil plowing project.

In general, melioidosis can be spread through contaminated soil and water, but it is generally not spread from person to person or from animals to people.

He also pointed out that after discovering the death of the monkey, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department had taken a number of preventive measures, including closing the mammal area of the Zoological and Botanical Gardens from October 14, and fully disinfecting and cleaning the farmhouse involved. Relevant employees wear protective equipment while working and pay close attention to their own conditions. They are currently in good health and all relevant test results are negative.

https://www.news.gov.hk/chi/2024/10/20241018/20241018_182906_389.html#

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Source: https://hongkongfp.com/2024/10/18/9-...ial-infection/

9 monkeys kept at Hong Kong zoo died from melioidosis bacterial infection
Authorities revealed that eight monkeys, including three critically endangered cotton-top tamarins, died on Sunday. Another white-faced saki died on Monday while a De Brazza’s monkey was put in isolation for displaying abnormal appetite and behaviours.
Hans Tseby Hans Tse12 hours ago
Updated 3 hours ago

The nine monkeys which died at the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens have been found to have contracted melioidosis, the government has said. The disease can infect both humans and animals, though the incident is believed to be an isolated infection within the zoo.

Secretary for Culture, Sports, and Tourism Kevin Yeung said on Friday evening that the monkeys tested positive for melioidosis following necropsies and toxicological diagnosis.

“Under normal circumstance, a melioidosis infection is [contracted] through contact with contaminated soil and surface water, but not person-to-person or animal-to-person [contact],” Yeung said in a press conference.

Yeung said experts suspected the infection was due to soil digging work in the garden in early October, where staff caring for the monkeys may have accidentally brought contaminated soil to the primate cages on their shoes.

The disease could also have been transmitted among the monkeys, he said...

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The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Acting Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, the Assistant Director (Inspection and Quarantine) of the Fisheries and Conservation Department and the Director of the Center for Health Protection of the Department of Health met with the media on October 10, 2024, regarding the animal death incident in the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens. 8th (Friday)

The following are the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Yeung Yun-****, the Acting Director of Leisure and Cultural Services Xu Xiaolu, the Assistant Director (Inspection and Quarantine) of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department Sit Hon-chung and the Director of the Center for Health Protection of the Department of Health Dr. Xu Lok-kin today (October 18) Transcript of the interview with the media on the afternoon of the same day on the incident of animal death in the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens:

Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism: Dear friends from the media, hello everyone. Eight monkeys died suddenly in the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens on October 13. Two others were unwell and were quarantined. One of the monkeys also passed away on October 14.

On October 14, I convened an emergency inter-departmental meeting with the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) and the Department of Health to discuss the development of the incident and different handling options. The purpose was to We hope to find the cause as soon as possible to ensure that the health of citizens and other animals in the park is not affected.

In the past few days, relevant departments have worked hard to expedite various anatomy, pathological diagnosis and laboratory tests, and found a large number of Burkholderia pseudomallei in the monkey's organs and tissues. After discussions with relevant departments to rule out other causes of death, such as food poisoning or other viruses, it was determined that the monkey in question died of septicemia caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei. We are very sad that nine monkeys died from melioidosis this time.

Under normal circumstances, infection with melioidosis is through contact with contaminated soil and water sources, but it does not spread through human-to-human or animal-to-human transmission.

In early October, the park carried out soil excavation work for the irrigation pipes under the flower beds near the cages. In addition, the following situations may occur during the period, which may cause the monkeys to be directly exposed to bacteria. These situations include:

First, the shoes worn by employees working in the mammal area were stained with soil from the soil and brought to the cages; or the infected monkeys contained high concentrations of germs and had close contact with other monkeys. Etc., coupled with the fact that the incubation period of melioidosis in primates is about one week, which coincides with the time after soil plowing in early October, the death of nine monkeys infected with melioidosis may be related to the nearby soil plowing project. We also conducted laboratory tests on the latest relevant soil samples, and the preliminary results were negative.

The LCSD has taken a number of preventive measures after discovering the monkey's death, including:
(1) The mammal area of the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens will be closed starting from October 14.
(2) Comprehensive disinfection and cleaning of the cages involved.
(3) Relevant employees will be arranged to wear appropriate protective equipment for work and will also pay close attention to their own conditions. The employee concerned is currently in normal health.
(4) Arrange relevant employees to be tested to determine whether they are infected with melioidosis to ensure employee safety. The result was negative.

We will continue to pay close attention to the health of mammals in the park, and will also remind our staff to pay attention to their own physical conditions and report immediately if they feel unwell. Let me explain it in English now.

Now I would like to ask the Assistant Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, Veterinary Sit Hon-chong, and the Director of the Center for Health Protection of the Department of Health, Dr. Xu Lok-kin, to explain to you the relevant laboratory results.

Assistant Director (Inspection and Quarantine) of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department: Veterinary colleagues from the Leisure and Cultural Services Department conducted autopsies on eight monkeys in question on October 13, and on October 14, they also dissected the corpse of a white-faced monk monkey and the one mentioned above Samples from eight monkeys were sent to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for testing. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department conducted tests in several aspects: first, whether the monkeys were infected with other infectious diseases. We tested several infectious diseases, including influenza A, monkeypox, new coronavirus, leptospirillum, etc., all of which were negative. . Secondly, we also sent the relevant samples to the Government Laboratory for toxicology testing, including pesticides or rat poisons, etc. The results were also negative. Finally, we performed an autopsy on the corpse of the white-faced monk monkey and found abnormalities in its liver and spleen. We also found a large number of bacteria in the cells of the spleen. Therefore, we sent the relevant bacteria to the laboratory of the Department of Health for testing and confirmed that it was Burke pseudomelioidosis. bacterium. We also tested samples from eight other monkeys and found melioidosis bacteria as well. Based on the autopsy conducted by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and the Fisheries and Conservation Department, as well as investigations by the Government Laboratory and the Department of Health, we confirmed that the cause of death of the monkey concerned was septicemia caused by Melioidosis infection.

Melioidosis bacteria are very common in Southeast Asia and northern Australia. This bacteria usually lives in soil and water. Animals in zoos in these areas have also died due to this bacteria, and there have also been sporadic cases in animals in Hong Kong.

The monkeys involved this time are exotic species. According to foreign experience, such monkeys are particularly susceptible to melioidosis. Literature shows that the incubation period of melioidosis in primates is about one week, so we infer that the animals concerned were exposed to the bacteria about five to seven days before the onset of the disease and were infected.

Director of the Center for Health Protection of the Department of Health: The Public Health Laboratory Service of the Center for Health Protection has received 17 biological samples from monkeys from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department in the past few days for PCR (polymerase chain reaction) testing of Burkholderia pseudomallei, 17 All samples tested positive. The CHP (Center for Health Protection) also received 10 monkey food samples and 9 water samples for relevant PCR tests, and the results were all negative. Regarding environmental samples, we also received 25 soil samples for PCR testing. The PCR test results were negative. However, we will now conduct bacterial culture tests on these soil samples. The relevant culture tests will take a few days to produce results.

Melioidosis is generally not transmitted from person to person, nor from animals to people. After learning about the relevant cases, we also learned that the health of the staff in the park is still very good to this day, and there are no abnormalities. Based on some animal epidemiological information just described by Veterinarian Xue of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, we can see that this incident is an infectious disease incident that occurred only in the animals in the park. For the time being, we believe that the impact on the public is very low, and there is no need for the public to Worry too much.

In fact, melioidosis has been a legally notifiable infectious disease in Hong Kong since November 2022, which means that the Department of Health will keep track of the trend of melioidosis in Hong Kong. If doctors encounter suspected or confirmed cases of melioidosis and need to report them, we also have follow-up actions. As of October 16, a total of 19 human infection cases of melioidosis have been recorded in 2024. These cases are relatively sporadic and have no clustering. These cases do not show a special upward trend, and case reports have also It's stable. We have reviewed these cases and none are related to current mentions of contact with parks or campuses. In 2023, 17 reported cases of melioidosis were recorded in Hong Kong, so the cases in the past two years have been relatively stable.

Melioidosis is an endemic disease in Hong Kong, which means melioidosis bacteria exists in the soil and soil of Hong Kong. If members of the public have the opportunity to come into contact with soil, they are inevitably at risk of infection. Are there any ways to reduce the risk of infection? We need to understand the transmission route of this disease, which is mainly through skin contact. If there are wounds on the skin, some infections may allow melioidosis bacteria to enter through these places. Therefore, we recommend that citizens engage in outdoor activities, especially when they come into contact with soil or sewage. Always maintain personal hygiene, including using waterproof gloves, protective gear or water boots; treat wounds immediately if they occur, cover them with waterproof dressings, and avoid outdoor activities. Eating food is also a possible way to get infected. If you eat some uncooked food that is contaminated with bacteria, or some untreated, unboiled water that is contaminated with bacteria, you can also get infected from food. . If you take the precautions I mentioned above, your risk of infection will be greatly reduced.

Melioidosis can be treated with drugs and antibiotics. Therefore, if the public suspects that they have contracted melioidosis, they should seek diagnosis from their doctor immediately, and the doctor will give relevant drugs for treatment. The most common symptoms of melioidosis include fever, headache, cough, coughing up blood, severe inflammation of soft tissues or swollen lymph nodes. Therefore, everyone should pay attention, firstly, to reduce the risk of infection; secondly, if you have any symptoms, you can seek medical advice. Thank you.

Reporter: When the park learned about the water pipe repair project, did they take preventive measures? Did they consider moving the monkeys out of the park at that time? Was there negligence on this occasion and is anyone responsible? Now that the remaining monkeys have passed a week, have they been determined to be at no risk? How to ensure that other animals will not be exposed to the same risk when the park has projects in the future?

Director of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau: As I just explained, the soil near the cages in the park has been tested, and the initial (result) was negative. We have also done a comprehensive cleaning of the cages in the park, so in the environment We all seemed to have a safe environment. As for what I said at the beginning, that several monkeys were infected with melioidosis, we estimated that it was a project outside the cage. If someone brought it in, and if one became (infected), its own bacteria may have infected nearby monkeys. Of course, we will learn from experience and be more careful when we do some related work in the park in the future. Since this estimate is based on environmental evidence, we can only say that in the future, all parties will hope to do their best to reduce risks. As for the health of monkeys, I asked Vet Xue to explain.

Assistant Director (Inspection and Quarantine) of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department: Regarding monkey health, the first thing to do is to separate sick monkeys from healthy monkeys, and the cages of sick monkeys also need to be thoroughly cleaned because their excrement or nasal discharge, etc. All may contain bacteria. In addition, the stagnant water also needs to be removed, as stagnant water can harbor bacteria. Sick monkeys require medical treatment. Veterinary colleagues from the Leisure and Cultural Services Department will also monitor the animals' symptoms, including whether their eating habits are the same as usual, whether there are any special secretions from their eyes, ears, mouth and nose, whether they have fever, and whether they are listless. These require special monitoring. In the future, we may need to strengthen disinfection in terms of cleaning.

Reporter: I just heard you keep emphasizing that there is no risk of animal-to-human transmission. But for safety reasons, does the zoological and botanical park need to be completely closed for comprehensive disinfection and cleaning? Secondly, I would like to follow up on the previous report on Monday that two monkeys were abnormal and one of them has died. What is the condition of the other white-rumped vervet monkey?

Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism: Of the two quarantined monkeys you just mentioned, one has passed away and the other is in stable condition but has not yet been returned to the cage because we have to be careful. In fact, we have carried out comprehensive cleaning on several cages, including comprehensive cleaning, using disinfectants and high temperature (disinfection), and the relevant areas have been cleaned. The mammal part is still closed. I believe there is sufficient protection. Ordinary citizens will not be able to approach that area. In addition, everyone can rest assured that our employees are still going to the cages to feed them during this period, and their bodies are healthy. So for now, preventive measures and follow-up measures are sufficient. Of course, we will continue to monitor the situation.

Reporter: First of all, I would like to ask whether monkeys suffering from melioidosis have been imported into the United States before. Are the nine monkeys involved new to the park, or have they been in the park for a long time? Because as mentioned just now, foreign monkeys are particularly susceptible to these viruses. In addition, regarding the location of the soil plowing project involved, that is, the location where pathogens are suspected to be present, will hydrated lime be used to sterilize it, or are there other treatment methods? Is the current status of the project suspended, or how to deal with it? And assess whether there is a risk of human-to-human transmission of the virus at that location?

Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism: The first question I will ask the Director (Leisure and Cultural Services Department) to answer later is the situation of monkeys entering the park. Second question, in fact, we have covered all the soil excavation works in one day, and no deep soil can be contacted. I also mentioned at the beginning that more than 20 soil samples have been taken from those locations for testing, and the initial results are negative. So I believe the public does not need to worry in this regard.

Acting Director of Leisure and Cultural Services: Among the nine monkeys that passed away this time, only three were exchanged with foreign zoos. However, they did not come to Hong Kong recently. The latest one came to the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens six years ago, so it should be It is not caused by some new situation.

Reporter: When did the first monkey's condition change? Were immediate measures taken, such as quarantine? How long does it take for it to feel uncomfortable until the other eight monkeys also feel uncomfortable? Why wait until eight monkeys died before disinfecting? Would it be too late to contain them?

Acting Director of Leisure and Cultural Services: During a routine inspection before the opening of the park on October 13, park staff found that two animals had passed away. They immediately checked the entire park and found that four of the animals were in poor spirits, and Unfortunately, on October 13th, in addition to the two monkeys who were found dead in the morning, six more monkeys died one after another. We issued a press release on the relevant situation as soon as possible that night to inform everyone.

(Please also see the English portion of the conversation.)
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https://www.afcd.gov.hk/tc_chi/publi...ss/pr3049.html
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Another white-rumped vervet monkey dies in Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens, a total of 12 monkeys have died so far

2024-10-22 HKT 21:07
Reported by Lu Zijing

Another white-rumped vervet monkey died in the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens, bringing the total number of monkey deaths in the park to 12.

The latest white-rumped vervet monkey to die has been undergoing isolation treatment since the 13th of this month. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department said that 11 monkeys that died earlier were confirmed to be infected with Burkholderia pseudomallei and died of septicemia caused by the bacteria. The department has performed an autopsy on the white-rumped vervet monkey that died today and found similar lesions in related organs and tissues. Pathological diagnosis and testing are ongoing.

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department stated that it will continue to close the mammal area of the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens. The 78 mammals in the park are currently in normal health. It will continue to provide protective equipment to staff who care for the animals and remind staff to pay attention to their own physical conditions. Related The staff are in good health and have taken protective measures and stepped up cleaning in accordance with the recommendations of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department and the Center for Health Protection.

https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/ch/component/k2/1775713-20241022.htm