Based on reports, yesterday (Jan 18) Hong Kong released an official order to cull (selectively slaughter) 2,000 hamsters in pet shops as well as storage facilities for fear of Covid-19. 

The order was issued when a new cluster of Covid-19 cases was traced to a pet shop, proving animal-to-human transmission. After hundreds of tests, 19 hamsters were tested positive. 

On December 22nd 2021 and January 7th 2022, shipments of hamsters arrived from the Netherlands. All who purchased one after those dates, have since been advised to hand over their furry friends to the authorities. 

Authorities have also noted that culling would be done humanely, and pet owners are to not abandon their pets by the streets. 

Besides that, owners have been advised to wash their hands after touching animals, to keep them at home instead of bringing them out and cautioned against kissing. 

More here.