Dozens of pet stores in Hong Kong that were recently closed due to Covid-19fears amongst hamsters are set to reopen.

Over 2000 hamsters were culled recently after a Covid outbreak was traced backto the Little Boss pet store, where 11 hamsters tested positive.

After collecting 1134 samples from small mammals, all of which were negative,authorities said most stores will begin trading this week, while the LittleBoss pet store and four other stores will remain closed as they continuetesting.

“All the other concerned pet shops on the other hand have been thoroughlydisinfected and cleaned and the environmental swabs collected from these shopshave all passed the COVID-19 virus test,” said a government statement.

The Agriculture Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said it wouldcompensate the pet stores forced to close with a one-off payment of up toHK$30,000 (AUD $5507).

“The AFCD earlier on announced a series of measures including suspending thebusiness of pet shops selling hamsters; taking all hamsters on sale forCOVID-19 virus tests and humane dispatch; suspending import of all smallmammals including hamsters immediately and conducting a review of quarantinerequirements for importing these animals.

“All these measures have affected the business of local pet shops sellinghamsters.”

Tagged: Covid, Hamster, Hong Kong

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