"Hamsters Likely Transmitted COVID to Humans" ... 2,000 Hamsters Euthanized in Hong Kong

Store clerk infection source unclear... Suspected COVID-19 transmission between animals and humans

As a suspected case of COVID-19 transmission between animals and humans emerged in Hong Kong, authorities decided to euthanize 2,000 hamsters. Photo by Pixabay.

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] As a suspected case of COVID-19 transmission between animals and humans emerged in Hong Kong, authorities have decided to euthanize about 2,000 hamsters.

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) of Hong Kong ordered all pet shops and owners on the 18th (local time) to hand over hamsters for euthanasia. The approximately 2,000 hamsters received will all be humanely euthanized. This measure was taken following a suspected case of hamsters transmitting COVID-19 to humans in Hong Kong.

Earlier, on the 16th, a pet shop clerk selling rodents including hamsters in Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, was confirmed to be infected with the Delta variant, but the source of infection was unclear, causing controversy.

After about three months without any Delta variant infections in the Hong Kong community, the sudden confirmation of a Delta variant infection led authorities to investigate the case.

Authorities stated that 11 samples taken from hamsters at the pet shop tested positive for COVID-19, and two additional citizens who had contact with the infected employee were also confirmed to be infected with the Delta variant, prompting this action.

Previously, the South China Morning Post (SCMP) in Hong Kong also reported, citing sources, that "analysis of the viral genetic sequence from the pet shop clerk showed a genotype identical to those prevalent in Europe and Pakistan," and "the virus from the hamsters imported from the Netherlands had the same genotype as the clerk’s virus, suggesting the virus may have been transmitted from hamsters to the clerk."

Regarding this, Sophia Chan, Hong Kong’s Secretary for Food and Health, said at a briefing that "there has been no evidence worldwide that pets can transmit COVID-19 to humans," but added, "to be cautious, we will take preventive measures against all possible infection routes to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spread."

Accordingly, about 150 customers who purchased hamsters from the pet shop within the past seven days have been subject to mandatory quarantine. Authorities urged, "All pet owners must maintain strict hygiene when handling animals and their cages, and should not kiss them or abandon them on the streets."