The Wildlife Department and animal health authorities have revealed that a bacterial infection, similar to syphilis and transmitted through sexual contact, is spreading among monkeys and macaques in several areas of Polonnaruwa.
The discovery came following a recent study conducted by the Department.
A Wildlife Veterinary Surgeon in the Eastern Wildlife Zone said several monkeys and macaques exhibiting syphilis-like symptoms were identified during the research.
“Laboratory blood tests and PCR analyses of macaques and black monkeys confirmed they were affected by the bacteria causing this infection. The disease was observed in the genital organs, skin, and anus of monkeys and macaques from Polonnaruwa and Giritale,” he explained.
He also warned that monkeys and macaques frequent places of religious worship visited by pilgrims. “Anyone who sits where an infected monkey or macaque has perched and left bacterial discharge could contract the disease,” the Veterinary Surgeon said.
Authorities have urged the public to avoid areas frequented by monkeys and macaques to reduce the risk of infection.
