Officials reveal cause of death of nine monkeys that died within two days at Hong Kong zoo | World News

Nine monkeys that died within two days at a Hong Kong zoo had contracted a bacterial disease, possibly as a result of recent digging near their enclosure.

On Sunday, October 13th, Eight monkeys were found dead and another died a day laterafter they all showed unusual behavior and appetite.

Fearing a zoonotic disease, officials launched an investigation at the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens, cordoning off and disinfecting areas.

They now say the animals died after being infected with melioidosis, which led to sepsis.

An official said this could be due to recent digging near their enclosure.

Culture, Sports and Tourism Minister Kevin Yeung said infections of this type often arise through contact with contaminated soil and water.

“We are saddened by the deaths of the nine monkeys,” Mr Yeung said, adding that there was no risk of contracting it to humans.

The deceased animals included a De Brazza monkey, a squirrel monkey, four white-faced sakis and three cotton-top monkeys – a species listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

The park had already carried out work to repair irrigation pipes under a flower bed near the monkey enclosure earlier this month, and the deaths may be related, Mr Yeung said.

“The incubation period for melioidosis in primates is about a week and this is consistent with the period after soil excavation work,” he said.

Another explanation could be that some infected monkeys had close contact with other monkeys, he continued.

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Or, he added, the monkeys could have been exposed to the bacteria after park staff went into the cages with possibly contaminated shoes.

Another De Brazza monkey also exhibited unusual behavior and appetite, but officials said its condition remained stable Friday.

Edwin Tsui, the center's director, said the incident occurred in just a single area of ​​Hong Kong's oldest zoo.