A 12th monkey has died in a zoological garden in central Hong Kong, sparking an ongoing investigation to discover whether it succumbed to the same bacterial infection that killed 11 other primates. On Tuesday, the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens, maintained by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), confirmed the death of a De Brazza monkey. This follows the finding of eight dead monkeys on October 13, all being monitored, leading to worries about a bacterial epidemic. In its official announcement, the LCSD confirmed soil infection killed monkeys at Hong Kong Zoo caused by sepsis caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, bacteria that cause melioidosis.

The department discovered comparable lesions in the tissues of the 12th monkey, suggesting the possibility that it, too, died from the same bacterial infection. Pathological testing is in progress to determine the specific reason for death.

Understanding Melioidosis and Its Effects on Captive Animals

Burkholderia pseudomallei is a pathogen that can cause melioidosis, which affects both animals and humans. It spreads primarily via contact with polluted soil, water, or air. According to the Centre for Health Protection, melioidosis is an endemic disease in Hong Kong, with cases reported on an annual basis.

Michael Rivera, a biological anthropologist at the University of Hong Kong, emailed HKFP to say that melioidosis-related mortality in animals has been documented worldwide. He mentioned recent incidents involving caged orangutans in Malaysia and a cynomolgus monkey from Cambodia. Rivera found that caged monkeys are especially prone to diseases because of the stressors of confinement, less social stimulation, and the lack of a natural environment.

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Investigating the Source of the Outbreak

During a news briefing, Secretary for Culture, Sports, and Tourism Kevin Yeung said that specialists believe the soil infection killed monkeys at Hong Kong Zoo as the bacterial infection spread by digging work at the zoo in early October. It is thought that staff may have unintentionally moved infected soil into the monkeys’ enclosures, potentially spreading the sickness. There is also the possibility that the infection spread among the monkeys themselves.

As a precaution, the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens’ mammal area is closed while the animals’ health is monitored. The LCSD has stated that the 78 surviving mammals and the workers who care for them are doing well. The department continues providing protective gear and health exams for animal care workers to ensure their safety. The current inquiry will hopefully shed light on the specific source of the outbreak and provide information to help prevent similar situations.

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