Hong Kong Culls Hamsters and Small Animals over Delta Variant Concerns
Background
Hong Kong authorities have ordered the culling of over 2,000 hamsters and other small animals after the Delta variant of COVID-19 was detected in a pet shop. This decision has sparked outrage among animal rights activists, who argue that it is unnecessary and cruel.
Government’s Rationale
Hong Kong has adopted a “zero COVID” strategy, which aims to eliminate all cases of the virus within the city. While there is no evidence that domestic animals can transmit the virus to humans, officials are acting out of an abundance of caution.
Timeline of Events
- A 23-year-old employee of the Little Boss pet shop was diagnosed with the Delta variant.
- Authorities tested 178 hamsters, rabbits, and chinchillas at the pet shop and its storage house.
- At least 11 hamsters tested positive for the virus.
- Two people linked to Little Boss have also tested positive.
- All hamsters at pet shops in the city, as well as all animals sold at Little Boss and its warehouse, will be culled.
Public Health Concerns
Hong Kong’s health secretary, Sophia Chan, has stated that the government’s priority is to protect public health. She has emphasized that there is no evidence of domestic animals transmitting the virus to humans, but that they are taking precautionary measures to minimize any potential risk.
Animal Welfare Concerns
Animal rights activists have condemned the government’s decision to cull the animals. The Hong Kong Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has expressed shock and concern, arguing that the government has not taken animal welfare into account. A Change.org petition to stop the culling has garnered over 30,000 signatures.
International Precedents
Hong Kong is not the first country to cull animals over COVID-19 concerns. In November 2020, Denmark culled over 15 million minks after a mutated form of the virus was detected in the animals. The Netherlands and Spain also culled millions of minks.
Ongoing Debate
The decision to cull the hamsters in Hong Kong has sparked a heated debate. Animal rights activists argue that the government is overreacting and that there is no scientific evidence to support the culling. Public health officials, on the other hand, maintain that they are taking necessary steps to protect the population from the virus.
Additional Information
- Hong Kong has a low vaccination rate, with only about 70% of the population fully vaccinated.
- The government has “strongly advised” hamster owners to turn over their pets for euthanasia, but this is not mandatory.
- Two shipments of hamsters from the Netherlands are of particular concern to authorities.