The Leisure & Cultural Services Department (LCSD) announced that the De Brazza's Monkey at the Hong Kong Zoological & Botanical Gardens (HKZBG) that has been under isolation since October 13, was found dead today.

The Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department then conducted a necropsy on the animal to ascertain the cause of death.

A total of 12 animals at the HKZBG have passed away since October 13.

After receiving the necropsy, pathological diagnosis and laboratory test results by relevant government departments, it was confirmed that the cause of death of the previous 11 animals was sepsis induced by bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei.

Similar lesions were also found in the tissues of the organs of the monkey that died today.

The LCSD will keep the HKZBG's Mammals Section closed to monitor the health conditions of the animals. The health conditions of the 78 mammals are normal.

It will also continue to provide protective gear and health monitoring for staff who take care of animals. The health conditions of the staff concerned are normal.