Another monkey dies at Hong Kong zoo, taking total to 10 amid melioidosis outbreak
Nine monkeys that died earlier this week succumbed to melioidosis, an infectious disease that can affect both animals and people
Authorities said the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department would conduct a necropsy to determine whether the cause of death of the common squirrel monkey was the same as earlier cases.
The latest monkey died a day after officials said the first nine succumbed to melioidosis earlier this week.
Melioidosis is an infectious disease that can affect both animals and people. The condition is caused by the Burkholderia pseudomallei bacterium.
“The monkey is one of two common squirrel monkeys put under isolation and medication since October 16 when their movement responses were found to be unusual,” a spokesman for the Leisure and Cultural Services Department said.
“The remaining common squirrel monkey and one De Brazza’s monkey that has been isolated since October 13 are under isolated surveillance and being given medication.”
