Pet hamsters can transmit corona infection to humans
Researchers in Hong Kong have found evidence that hamsters can transmit coronavirus infection to humans, and have linked pet rodents to human-to-human infections in the city.
And the “Bloomberg” news agency reported that the study, which was published today, Saturday in The Lancet medical journal, as a preliminary version that has not yet been reviewed, provided the first documented evidence of the transmission of the delta mutant from hamsters to humans.
Researchers from the University of Hong Kong and the city government recorded two separate cases of this transmission, after examining swabs and blood samples from animals collected from local pet stores.
The study concluded that the hamster under examination contracted corona on approximately November 21, before being imported to Hong Kong, which indicates that the trade of these pets may be a reason behind the spread of corona across the border.
The researchers said: "This study reveals that pet hamsters can be infected with SARS-Covid-2 under normal conditions and can transmit the virus back to humans... SARS-Covid-2 circulating in hamsters can allow sustained transmission of the virus between Humans".
The Hong Kong government has ordered the culling of thousands of hamsters after an outbreak of infection in pet stores.
It advised residents earlier this month to hand over hamsters purchased on or after December 22 for "euthanasia", after some pet store workers and customers tested positive for the virus, and some animals imported from the Netherlands in stores tested positive.
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