Namibia, which is facing its worst drought in 100 years, is now planning to kill more than 700 wild animals, including elephants, hippos, and zebras. Why? For their meat, which will be distributed among people struggling to meet their basic food needs.

The nation's Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism announced on Monday (Aug 26) that the list of animals being culled includes 723 animals, comprising 30 hippos, 60 buffalos, 50 impalas, 100&nbsp;blue wilder beasts, 300 zebras, 83 elephants, and 100 elands.

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<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:151,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1844}">A state of emergency in Namibia</h2>

In May, Namibia declared a state of emergency as the impact of drought worsened. With the drought conditions, an estimated 1.4 million people in the nation are expected to face high levels of acute food insecurity.

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:249,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1942}">Namibia's culling programme</h2>

As per a CNN report, the animals will be sourced from national parks and communal areas with "sustainable game numbers". National Parks include Namib Naukluft Park, Mangetti National Park, Bwabwata National Park, Mudumu National Park and Nkasa&nbsp;Rupara&nbsp;National Park.

They will be killed by professional hunters and Safari Outfitters, said the ministry in its press release.

According to the press release, the elephant culling would also serve to reduce human-animal conflicts

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"Additionally, the National Conference on Human Wildlife Conflict Management in 2023 resolved, among other things, that elephant numbers need to be reduced as a measure to assist in reducing prevailing cases of human-wildlife conflict. With the severe drought situation in the country, conflicts are expected to increase if no interventions are made. To this effect, 83 elephants from identified conflict areas will be culled, meat will be allocated to the drought relief program under the Office of the Prime Minister."

Already, 157 animals of different species have been hunted in Mangetti&nbsp;National Park. Additionally, 20 have been hunted in Mahango, 70 in Kwando, 6 in Bufallo and 9 in Mudumo. In total, this has led to the delivery of 56,875 kg&nbsp;of meat.

The ministry says that along with supplying meat to the needy population, the culling will help take pressure off water resources by cutting down wildlife numbers in areas where their numbers "exceed available grazing and water."

(With inputs from agencies)

Namibia, which is facing its worst drought in 100 years, is now planning to kill more than 700 wild animals, including elephants, hippos, and zebras. Why? For their meat, which will be distributed among people struggling to meet their basic food needs.

Namibia, which is facing its worst drought in 100 years, is now planning to kill more than 700 wild animals, including elephants, hippos, and zebras. Why? For their meat, which will be distributed among people struggling to meet their basic food needs. The nation's Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism announced on Monday (Aug 26) that the list of animals being culled includes 723 animals, comprising 30 hippos, 60 buffalos, 50 impalas, 100 blue wilder beasts, 300 zebras, 83 elephants, and 100 elands. Also read | Japan's SLIM takes the final bow, lunar mission shut down after lost communication A state of emergency in Namibia In May, Namibia declared a state of emergency as the impact of drought worsened. With the drought conditions, an estimated 1.4 million people in the nation are expected to face high levels of acute food insecurity. Namibia's culling programme As per a CNN report, the animals will be sourced from national parks and communal areas with "sustainable game numbers". National Parks include Namib Naukluft Park, Mangetti National Park, Bwabwata National Park, Mudumu National Park and Nkasa Rupara National Park. They will be killed by professional hunters and Safari Outfitters, said the ministry in its press release. According to the press release, the elephant culling would also serve to reduce human-animal conflicts Also read | Study reveals why cats scratch furniture and tips for managing it "Additionally, the National Conference on Human Wildlife Conflict Management in 2023 resolved, among other things, that elephant numbers need to be reduced as a measure to assist in reducing prevailing cases of human-wildlife conflict. With the severe drought situation in the country, conflicts are expected to increase if no interventions are made. To this effect, 83 elephants from identified conflict areas will be culled, meat will be allocated to the drought relief program under the Office of the Prime Minister." Already, 157 animals of different species have been hunted in Mangetti National Park. Additionally, 20 have been hunted in Mahango, 70 in Kwando, 6 in Bufallo and 9 in Mudumo. In total, this has led to the delivery of 56,875 kg of meat. The ministry says that along with supplying meat to the needy population, the culling will help take pressure off water resources by cutting down wildlife numbers in areas where their numbers "exceed available grazing and water." (With inputs from agencies)

Namibia to cull over 700 elephants, hippos and other animals for meat. Here's why

Pigeons, one of the earliest domesticated animals or birds, have a complex relationship with humans. While some people find them irritating and nothing but a menace, others share their food with the birds. This dichotomy has reached a critical point in Limburg an der Lahn, a town in the Western German state of Hesse.

In a referendum held on 9 June, coinciding with the country's EU elections, Limburg residents have voted to exterminate the town's pigeon population of around 700 birds — by very violent, and some may say cruel methods.

<h2>Sky rats</h2>

This decision sparked controversy after the city council's initial plan in November 2023 to reduce the 'sky rats' aka pigeon numbers.&nbsp;

On June 9, however,&nbsp;53 per cent of residents — 7,350 — voted in favour, and the plan to cull the pigeons was approved.

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The method chosen for the cull involves using a falconer to lure the birds into traps, stun them with a wooden stick, and then break their necks.&nbsp;

This approach has drawn significant criticism from animal rights activists.

"We live in 2023, it can't be that we kill animals just because they annoy us, or they’re a nuisance. That’s not acceptable," Tanya Muller, the city pigeon project manager, had previously said about the plan.

<h2>Is culling an effective population control method?</h2>

The cull will be carried out over the next two years.

However, despite the town's decision, critics argue that culling pigeons is cruel and ineffective.

Historical evidence suggests pigeon populations can remain stable or even increase after such efforts.

For instance, Basel, Switzerland, saw its pigeon numbers remain steady despite killing approximately 100,000 birds annually between 1961 and 1985.

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Alternative methods have proven more successful in controlling pigeon populations.

This includes Basel's approach, which involved discouraging feeding and managing pigeon lofts to remove eggs.

This method found by a group called Pigeon Action, as per Euro News, was found to bring a 50 per cent reduction in pigeon numbers within four years.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Pigeons, one of the earliest domesticated animals or birds, have a complex relationship with humans. While some people find them irritating and nothing but a menace, others share their food with the birds.

Pigeons, one of the earliest domesticated animals or birds, have a complex relationship with humans. While some people find them irritating and nothing but a menace, others share their food with the birds. This dichotomy has reached a critical point in Limburg an der Lahn, a town in the Western German state of Hesse. In a referendum held on 9 June, coinciding with the country's EU elections, Limburg residents have voted to exterminate the town's pigeon population of around 700 birds — by very violent, and some may say cruel methods. Sky rats This decision sparked controversy after the city council's initial plan in November 2023 to reduce the 'sky rats' aka pigeon numbers. On June 9, however, 53 per cent of residents — 7,350 — voted in favour, and the plan to cull the pigeons was approved. Also read | Biden's 'deer in headlights' moment: Freezes onstage during fundraising event, Obama saves the day. Watch! The method chosen for the cull involves using a falconer to lure the birds into traps, stun them with a wooden stick, and then break their necks. This approach has drawn significant criticism from animal rights activists. "We live in 2023, it can't be that we kill animals just because they annoy us, or they’re a nuisance. That’s not acceptable," Tanya Muller, the city pigeon project manager, had previously said about the plan. Is culling an effective population control method? The cull will be carried out over the next two years. However, despite the town's decision, critics argue that culling pigeons is cruel and ineffective. Historical evidence suggests pigeon populations can remain stable or even increase after such efforts. For instance, Basel, Switzerland, saw its pigeon numbers remain steady despite killing approximately 100,000 birds annually between 1961 and 1985. Also read | A Biblical battle was fought 2,700 years ago in Jerusalem, and we now have proof Alternative methods have proven more successful in controlling pigeon populations. This includes Basel's approach, which involved discouraging feeding and managing pigeon lofts to remove eggs. This method found by a group called Pigeon Action, as per Euro News, was found to bring a 50 per cent reduction in pigeon numbers within four years. (With inputs from agencies)

'Sky rats' no more: German town votes to kill pigeons by brutal methods

Rabbits—the furry widely loved and petted animals—have turned out to be a nuisance for a region in New Zealand that is employing every trick&nbsp;in its trade to eliminate the long-eared animal from the face of their part of the earth.

First introduced in the 1840s for both food and sport, this furry animal has slowly and gradually turned into an invasive creature, threatening the bio-diversity and agriculture of the southern region of Central Otago.

To tackle the menace, the local administration introduced the Central Otago Great Easter Bunny Hunt in the 1990s—an annual bunny hunt event where the landowners have a legal obligation to control them.

However, the central government banned the event for this year due to fire risks and health and safety concerns.

But this hasn’t stopped the rural folks from carrying on with their long tradition as they fear that a lack of alternatives to killing rabbits will lead to a further explosion of the population.

Now, the Otago council is waiting for approval from the government to spread Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV)—a sure-shot viral killer.

This strain of the virus was first imported and introduced illegally to New Zealand in 1997, devastating rabbit populations at the time. Another version from Korea was later legally imported and released in early 2018. However, rabbits have become increasingly immune over time.

Now, local councillors are investigating if it is viable to remove RHDV from the biosecurity’s “unwanted organism list”, which could pave the way for its reintroduction.

In parts of the South Island, the boom is reaching “plague” proportions, a spokesperson for Otago Regional Council (ORC) told the Guardian on Wednesday.

New Zealand’s ministry of primary industry estimates that rabbits cost the country an estimated NZ$50 million (US$31m) in lost production, and a further $25m in direct pest control each year.

“Densities of up to 16 rabbits per square kilometre have been logged in some places during ORC night-count monitoring,” the council said in a statement.

“Rabbits have an impact on pasture and crops with just 10 rabbits devouring the equivalent of what one sheep requires.”

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

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Rabbits—the furry widely loved and petted animals—have turned out to be a nuisance for a region in New Zealand that is employing every trick in its trade to eliminate the long-eared animal from the face of their part of the earth.

Rabbits—the furry widely loved and petted animals—have turned out to be a nuisance for a region in New Zealand that is employing every trick in its trade to eliminate the long-eared animal from the face of their part of the earth. First introduced in the 1840s for both food and sport, this furry animal has slowly and gradually turned into an invasive creature, threatening the bio-diversity and agriculture of the southern region of Central Otago. To tackle the menace, the local administration introduced the Central Otago Great Easter Bunny Hunt in the 1990s—an annual bunny hunt event where the landowners have a legal obligation to control them. However, the central government banned the event for this year due to fire risks and health and safety concerns. But this hasn’t stopped the rural folks from carrying on with their long tradition as they fear that a lack of alternatives to killing rabbits will lead to a further explosion of the population. Now, the Otago council is waiting for approval from the government to spread Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV)—a sure-shot viral killer. This strain of the virus was first imported and introduced illegally to New Zealand in 1997, devastating rabbit populations at the time. Another version from Korea was later legally imported and released in early 2018. However, rabbits have become increasingly immune over time. Now, local councillors are investigating if it is viable to remove RHDV from the biosecurity’s “unwanted organism list”, which could pave the way for its reintroduction. In parts of the South Island, the boom is reaching “plague” proportions, a spokesperson for Otago Regional Council (ORC) told the Guardian on Wednesday. New Zealand’s ministry of primary industry estimates that rabbits cost the country an estimated NZ$50 million (US$31m) in lost production, and a further $25m in direct pest control each year. “Densities of up to 16 rabbits per square kilometre have been logged in some places during ORC night-count monitoring,” the council said in a statement. “Rabbits have an impact on pasture and crops with just 10 rabbits devouring the equivalent of what one sheep requires.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

This Easter, New Zealand mulls unleashing deadly virus for culling rabbits to curb ‘plague’

The Caribbean country of Sint Maarten has approved a controversial plan to cull the entire population of vervet monkeys, a species that has been labelled as a “nuisance” by locals on the Dutch island. However, critics of the plan suggest that instead of killing, sterilisation or neutering might be a better way to handle the rising numbers of the monkey species.

The plan to kill hundreds of monkeys comes after farmer complaints that the invasive species were “raiding their crops and destroying their livelihood,” reports Guardian.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: CDC accused of importing infected macaques from Cambodia

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An NGO by the name of Nature Foundation St Maarten which as per its website aims to “preserve and enhance its (St Maarten’s) nature for generations to come” will execute the government-funded plan to capture and euthanise more than 450 monkeys over the next three years. The numbers are from a now-outdated survey carried out in 2020.

Sint Maarten’s ministry of tourism, economic affairs, transportation and telecommunication in December approved 100,000NAf ($55,000) in funding per year for the project.

Leslie Hickerson, the NGO’s manager, said that it can be difficult to maintain population size control for invasive species as they lack natural predators in the area.&nbsp;

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“Species management is an important aspect of keeping the island healthy for those who come after us,” he said.&nbsp;

The species which is native to southern and eastern Africa was introduced to the region sometime in the 17th century by European settlers who kept them as exotic pets.

Dave Du Toit, founder of the Vervet Monkey Foundation says that the cull is unlikely to work.

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His non-profit shelters orphaned and injured primates in South Africa where the species is native. He suggests “vasectomise the males and sterilise the females” would work better.&nbsp;

Du Toit also said that research into food disposal practices and the availability of food for wildlife might help in achieving a more harmonious existence between the monkeys and the humans of Sint Maarten.

However, yet another suggestion is to capture and relocate the entire monkey population. The proposition has been offered by Eusebio Richardson, a ranger with the Nature Foundation who says that given how fast these monkeys reproduce, relocation might be the only way to “protect the biodiversity of the island”.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Caribbean country of Sint Maarten has approved a controversial plan to cull the entire population of vervet monkeys, a species that has been labelled as a “nuisance” by locals on the Dutch island.

The Caribbean country of Sint Maarten has approved a controversial plan to cull the entire population of vervet monkeys, a species that has been labelled as a “nuisance” by locals on the Dutch island. However, critics of the plan suggest that instead of killing, sterilisation or neutering might be a better way to handle the rising numbers of the monkey species. The plan to kill hundreds of monkeys comes after farmer complaints that the invasive species were “raiding their crops and destroying their livelihood,” reports Guardian. Watch | Gravitas: CDC accused of importing infected macaques from Cambodia An NGO by the name of Nature Foundation St Maarten which as per its website aims to “preserve and enhance its (St Maarten’s) nature for generations to come” will execute the government-funded plan to capture and euthanise more than 450 monkeys over the next three years. The numbers are from a now-outdated survey carried out in 2020. Sint Maarten’s ministry of tourism, economic affairs, transportation and telecommunication in December approved 100,000NAf ($55,000) in funding per year for the project. Leslie Hickerson, the NGO’s manager, said that it can be difficult to maintain population size control for invasive species as they lack natural predators in the area. Also read | Kenya declares war against millions of birds. Here's why “Species management is an important aspect of keeping the island healthy for those who come after us,” he said. The species which is native to southern and eastern Africa was introduced to the region sometime in the 17th century by European settlers who kept them as exotic pets. Dave Du Toit, founder of the Vervet Monkey Foundation says that the cull is unlikely to work. Also read | AI model rediscovers Australian Bristlebird feared lost since 2020 bushfires His non-profit shelters orphaned and injured primates in South Africa where the species is native. He suggests “vasectomise the males and sterilise the females” would work better. Du Toit also said that research into food disposal practices and the availability of food for wildlife might help in achieving a more harmonious existence between the monkeys and the humans of Sint Maarten. However, yet another suggestion is to capture and relocate the entire monkey population. The proposition has been offered by Eusebio Richardson, a ranger with the Nature Foundation who says that given how fast these monkeys reproduce, relocation might be the only way to “protect the biodiversity of the island”. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Sint Maarten to capture and kill entire population of vervet monkeys. Here's why

A wing under the US Department of Agriculture has stoked the fury of conservation groups after a report revealed that they were responsible for killing 1.75 million animals across the country in 2021— at a rate of around 200 creatures every hour, reported The Guardian.

The killings were part of a federal wildlife program that targets wolves, coyotes, cougars, birds and other wild animals, primarily to benefit the agriculture industry in states like Texas, Colorado and Idaho.

According to new data released by the program, the Wildlife Services has killed 324 gray wolves, 64,131 coyotes, 433 black bears, 200 mountain lions, 605 bobcats, 3,014 foxes, 24,687 beavers, and 714 river otters last year.

The Wildlife Services has been slaughtering the animals “to protect agricultural output, threatened species and human health”.

Wildlife Services says that it targets certain invasive species which it considers a threat to ecosystems, such as feral hogs and a type of giant swamp rodent called nutria.

However, it has also controversially killed vast numbers of America’s native species.

“It’s stomach-turning to see this barbaric federal program wiping out hundreds of thousands of native animals,” said Collette Adkins, carnivore conservation director at the Center for Biological Diversity.

“Killing carnivores like wolves and coyotes to supposedly benefit the livestock industry just leads to more conflicts and more killing. This is a truly vicious cycle, and we’ll continue to demand change from Wildlife Services.”

The reported number of native animals killed in 2021 was similar to the 433,192 killed in 2020.

The only it reported a sharp decline was in 2019 when approximately 1.3 million native animals were killed.

(With inputs from agencies)

A wing under the US Department of Agriculture has stoked the fury of conservation groups after a report revealed that they were responsible for killing 1.75 million animals across the country in 2021— at a rate of around 200 creatures every hour, reported The Guardian.

A wing under the US Department of Agriculture has stoked the fury of conservation groups after a report revealed that they were responsible for killing 1.75 million animals across the country in 2021— at a rate of around 200 creatures every hour, reported The Guardian. The killings were part of a federal wildlife program that targets wolves, coyotes, cougars, birds and other wild animals, primarily to benefit the agriculture industry in states like Texas, Colorado and Idaho. According to new data released by the program, the Wildlife Services has killed 324 gray wolves, 64,131 coyotes, 433 black bears, 200 mountain lions, 605 bobcats, 3,014 foxes, 24,687 beavers, and 714 river otters last year. The Wildlife Services has been slaughtering the animals “to protect agricultural output, threatened species and human health”. Wildlife Services says that it targets certain invasive species which it considers a threat to ecosystems, such as feral hogs and a type of giant swamp rodent called nutria. However, it has also controversially killed vast numbers of America’s native species. “It’s stomach-turning to see this barbaric federal program wiping out hundreds of thousands of native animals,” said Collette Adkins, carnivore conservation director at the Center for Biological Diversity. “Killing carnivores like wolves and coyotes to supposedly benefit the livestock industry just leads to more conflicts and more killing. This is a truly vicious cycle, and we’ll continue to demand change from Wildlife Services.” The reported number of native animals killed in 2021 was similar to the 433,192 killed in 2020. The only it reported a sharp decline was in 2019 when approximately 1.3 million native animals were killed. (With inputs from agencies)

A ‘barbaric’ federal programme killed 1.75 million animals in US in 2021: Report

Pham Minh Hung and his wife, Nguyen Thi Chi Em were devasted when Vietnamese authorities culled their 12 dogs without their consent&nbsp;over fear of Covid transmission.

When their story was documented on the social media app TikTok, a huge row erupted with many slamming the officials over poor treatment of animals.

Now, with the help of donors, the Vietnamese couple has rescued and adopted 15 puppies, some of whom were on their way to dog meat shops.

It all began last year when photos and videos of the couple travelling with a pack of dogs on motorbikes went viral on social media.

According to reports, they left their house in Long An Province and went to their relative's place to stay at the southern Ca Mau province, to escape from rising Covid infections.

Unfortunately, the couple and their three relatives caught Covid after reaching Khanh Hung.&nbsp;They were then transferred to a hospital for treatment,&nbsp;while their animals were left at a quarantine centre.

It was said that local officials killed the animals without their owners’ consent while they were receiving medical treatment.

The officials claimed that it is was a “necessary preventative measure” to stave off the Covid spread.

But the act was widely condemned by the Vietnamese public as being "barbaric" and "cruel".

Pham told BBC that he got 120 million dong ($5,300) from several donors.

He said that he used the money to pay for medical treatment and used some of the money to rescue 15 puppies.

The 49-year-old said that the new dogs brought solace, but they still could not get over the brutal death of canines.

"When my dogs were killed, I was despondent and cried a lot. At the same time, we had Covid. My family was under a lot of pressure.

Acknowledging that it would be difficult to take care of their “children”, Pham said that his first priority is to find bricklaying work to save up enough money to become a lottery ticket seller — a job that gives him more time to take care of his puppies.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pham Minh Hung and his wife, Nguyen Thi Chi Em were devasted when Vietnamese authorities culled their 12 dogs without their consent over fear of Covid transmission.

Pham Minh Hung and his wife, Nguyen Thi Chi Em were devasted when Vietnamese authorities culled their 12 dogs without their consent over fear of Covid transmission. When their story was documented on the social media app TikTok, a huge row erupted with many slamming the officials over poor treatment of animals. Now, with the help of donors, the Vietnamese couple has rescued and adopted 15 puppies, some of whom were on their way to dog meat shops. It all began last year when photos and videos of the couple travelling with a pack of dogs on motorbikes went viral on social media. According to reports, they left their house in Long An Province and went to their relative's place to stay at the southern Ca Mau province, to escape from rising Covid infections. Unfortunately, the couple and their three relatives caught Covid after reaching Khanh Hung. They were then transferred to a hospital for treatment, while their animals were left at a quarantine centre. It was said that local officials killed the animals without their owners’ consent while they were receiving medical treatment. The officials claimed that it is was a “necessary preventative measure” to stave off the Covid spread. But the act was widely condemned by the Vietnamese public as being "barbaric" and "cruel". Pham told BBC that he got 120 million dong ($5,300) from several donors. He said that he used the money to pay for medical treatment and used some of the money to rescue 15 puppies. The 49-year-old said that the new dogs brought solace, but they still could not get over the brutal death of canines. "When my dogs were killed, I was despondent and cried a lot. At the same time, we had Covid. My family was under a lot of pressure. Acknowledging that it would be difficult to take care of their “children”, Pham said that his first priority is to find bricklaying work to save up enough money to become a lottery ticket seller — a job that gives him more time to take care of his puppies. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Heartbroken’ Vietnamese couple whose 12 dogs were culled over Covid spread rescue puppies

Defending mass culling of hamsters, Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said that Covid infections could be growing exponentially due to an outbreak in pet hamsters. A surge of Delta cases had been linked to a pet shop worker. The 23-year-old woman who worked at the Little Boss pet shop in Causeway Bay may have contracted the disease from the hamsters who were found to be Covid positive.

As a result, Hong Kong decided to kill 2,000 hamsters and temporarily suspend imports of small animals after finding evidence for the first time traces of possible animal-to-human transmission of the Covid virus in the city.&nbsp;

"We are worried that the exponential growth of cases that we have seen in other parts of the world is now happening in Kwai Chung," Lam said. She further urged people to avoid gatherings ahead of Lunar New Year.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-to-cull-thousands-of-hamsters-after-finding-traces-of-animal-to-human-covid-transmission-445851">Also read |&nbsp;Hong Kong to cull thousands of hamsters after finding traces of animal-to-human Covid transmission</a>

Earlier this week, Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Dr Leung Siu-fai announced that all owners who had bought hamsters since December 22 would have to turn over the animals.&nbsp;

“We have assessed that the risks of these batches are relatively high and therefore made the decision based on public health needs,” SCMP quoted Leung as saying.

“We urge all pet owners to observe strict hygiene when handling their pets and cages. Do not kiss them or abandon them on the streets,” he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

Defending mass culling of hamsters, Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said that Covid infections could be growing exponentially due to an outbreak in pet hamsters. A surge of Delta cases had been linked to a pet shop worker.

Defending mass culling of hamsters, Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said that Covid infections could be growing exponentially due to an outbreak in pet hamsters. A surge of Delta cases had been linked to a pet shop worker. The 23-year-old woman who worked at the Little Boss pet shop in Causeway Bay may have contracted the disease from the hamsters who were found to be Covid positive. As a result, Hong Kong decided to kill 2,000 hamsters and temporarily suspend imports of small animals after finding evidence for the first time traces of possible animal-to-human transmission of the Covid virus in the city. "We are worried that the exponential growth of cases that we have seen in other parts of the world is now happening in Kwai Chung," Lam said. She further urged people to avoid gatherings ahead of Lunar New Year. Also read | Hong Kong to cull thousands of hamsters after finding traces of animal-to-human Covid transmission Earlier this week, Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Dr Leung Siu-fai announced that all owners who had bought hamsters since December 22 would have to turn over the animals. “We have assessed that the risks of these batches are relatively high and therefore made the decision based on public health needs,” SCMP quoted Leung as saying. “We urge all pet owners to observe strict hygiene when handling their pets and cages. Do not kiss them or abandon them on the streets,” he added. (With inputs from agencies)

'We are worried': Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam defends hamster culling

Some 77,000 chickens will be culled in the Japanese prefecture of Tochigi due to a new outbreak of highly pathogenic bird flu, Japanese media reported on Saturday.&nbsp;

According to the news, a quarantine zone was established within a three-kilometre (1.9 miles) radius from the affected farm and a ban on the export of eggs and poultry products was introduced within a 10-kilometre range.&nbsp;

In January, the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries said that the new outbreak of avian influenza, which started in November, has broken all records in terms of the number of chickens culled in one season. &nbsp;

Seventeen out of Japan's 47 prefectures were affected by the outbreak. Bird flu outbreaks have also been detected in the prefectures of Chiba, Kagawa, Fukuoka, Hyogo, Miyazaki, Hiroshima, Nara, Oita, Wakayama, Okayama, Shiga, Kochi, Tokushima, Gifu, Kagoshima, Toyama and Ibaraki. &nbsp;

According to the Ministry for Agriculture, some 9.7 million domestic birds have already been exterminated to prevent the spread of the disease. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Some 77,000 chickens will be culled in the Japanese prefecture of Tochigi due to a new outbreak of highly pathogenic bird flu, Japanese media reported on Saturday.

Some 77,000 chickens will be culled in the Japanese prefecture of Tochigi due to a new outbreak of highly pathogenic bird flu, Japanese media reported on Saturday. According to the news, a quarantine zone was established within a three-kilometre (1.9 miles) radius from the affected farm and a ban on the export of eggs and poultry products was introduced within a 10-kilometre range. In January, the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries said that the new outbreak of avian influenza, which started in November, has broken all records in terms of the number of chickens culled in one season. Seventeen out of Japan's 47 prefectures were affected by the outbreak. Bird flu outbreaks have also been detected in the prefectures of Chiba, Kagawa, Fukuoka, Hyogo, Miyazaki, Hiroshima, Nara, Oita, Wakayama, Okayama, Shiga, Kochi, Tokushima, Gifu, Kagoshima, Toyama and Ibaraki. According to the Ministry for Agriculture, some 9.7 million domestic birds have already been exterminated to prevent the spread of the disease. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan to cull 77,000 chickens over new bird flu outbreak in Tochigi 

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