Bacterial Outbreak Claims Lives of Monkeys at Hong Kong Zoo

A devastating bacterial infection has claimed the lives of twelve monkeys in Hong Kong, with health authorities probing the source as they assure the public about safety. Notable concerns about zoonotic diseases have been raised by animal rights groups amid this troubling incident.

A twelfth monkey has been reported dead at the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens in a troubling outbreak that has already taken the lives of eleven others within a span of ten days. Health officials are currently conducting tests to confirm whether this latest death is a result of the same bacterial infection that has been linked to the previous fatalities.

The deceased monkey, identified as a De Brazza's monkey, had been under quarantine since October 13 after the initial cluster of deaths occurred. Autopsies performed on the monkeys revealed a significant presence of sepsis-causing bacteria believed to have originated from contaminated soil near their living areas. Hong Kong’s Culture, Sports and Tourism Secretary indicated that workers digging near the monkey enclosures might have inadvertently introduced the tainted soil via their shoes.

Veterinary epidemiologist Dirk Pfeiffer from the City University of Hong Kong remarked that while the likelihood of the infection transmitting to humans is relatively low, it raises alarm considering the unusual surge in fatalities among captive animals, particularly when such incidents have not been previously reported.

The earlier deaths comprised of a variety of species, including the endangered cotton-top tamarins and white-faced sakis, all recorded to have perished from melioidosis, a disease known to spread via contaminated soil, air, or water. This disease is attributable to the Burkholderia pseudomallei bacteria, which is typically found in tropical and sub-tropical climates.

As for the latest casualty, officials confirmed that preliminary findings revealed "akin lesions in the organ tissues," shedding light on the potential link to the bacterial infection. Despite these events, authorities claim that the remaining 78 mammals residing in the zoo display normal health, while the mammal section has been closed since October 14 for disinfection measures.

The Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens, recognized as the oldest park in the city, encompasses 14 acres and holds a special place in the community. In light of this outbreak, animal rights organization Peta has voiced apprehension regarding zoonotic diseases, including monkeypox, which could spread from animals to humans. Abigail Forsyth, Peta’s campaign manager, stressed that to truly safeguard both animals and humans, a shift away from confining animals for entertainment towards protecting their natural habitats is necessary.

Historically, melioidosis has been recorded in Hong Kong since the mid-1970s, with a notable incident involving the sudden death of 24 dolphins in Ocean Park attributed to the same disease.