Hong Kong to Lift Ban on Hamster Imports as Covid Policies Dismantled

City imposed ban on importing small mammals in January 2022
Importation of all mammals other than hamsters resumed in May

A volunteer carries a caged hamster after stopping an owner from surrendering it to the government in January of last year.Photographer: Louise Delmotte/Getty Images

Have a confidential tip for our reporters? Get in Touch

Before it’s here, it’s on the Bloomberg Terminal

January 4, 2023 at 6:02 PM EST

This article is for subscribers only.

Hong Kong will lift a ban on importing hamsters for sale around the middle of this month, a year after the city ordered a culling of the furry mammals and shut down all pet shops selling them to eliminate the Covid-19 virus.

Imported hamsters will still need to test negative for Covid before they are made available for sale, because studies found that they are susceptible to the virus and could easily spread to humans, a spokesman for the city’s Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department said in an emailed statement.

Have a confidential tip for our reporters? Get in Touch

Before it’s here, it’s on the Bloomberg Terminal

LEARN MORE