A sudden outbreak of melioidosis has claimed the lives of 12 monkeys at Hong Kong's oldest zoo. The bacterial infection, caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, was likely spread through contaminated soil and air. Veterinary epidemiologists are concerned about the rapid spread of the disease among the primates. Autopsies revealed the bacteria's presence in all deceased animals, including critically endangered species.
The Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens have closed their mammals section for cleaning and disinfection, with 78 other animals reported to be healthy. Melioidosis is a rare infection that can affect humans, although human-to-human transmission is low. Symptoms include lung infections, fever, and muscle aches.