Overview

• The recent deaths include critically endangered species such as cotton-top tamarins and De Brazza's monkeys.
• Autopsies revealed the presence of Burkholderia pseudomallei, a bacterium causing melioidosis, in the deceased monkeys.
• Contaminated soil, likely brought in by workers, is suspected to be the source of the infection.
• The zoo has closed its mammals section for disinfection and is monitoring the health of the remaining 78 mammals.
• Concerns have been raised about the risk of zoonotic diseases, with authorities urged to improve preventive measures.