(Central Station) 'Go to hell' – expert in support of culling hamsters gets angry emails

Top government health advisor Yuen Kwok-yung was condemned by animal lovers with some calling him to go to hell for suggesting to cull hamsters.

Speaking on a radio program on Wednesday, Yuen said he received threatening emails after he said the authorities’ decision to cull 2,000 hamsters is “decisive” and “wise” on Tuesday night.

“I received some emails [after supporting the government’s decision], saying I should go to hell,” he said.

Yuen said he understands the government’s decision to cull all animals would trigger strong opposition, adding Hongkongers always care about animals.

“As scientists and doctors, we all understand we must have respect for all lives, but we have to make a decision and think clearly what's best for the people on the basis of public health," he said.

Yuen said while results of genome sequencing have yet to be released, initial evidence suggests there were transmissions among the hamsters. They are likely to be related to the infections in the pet shop cluster.

Considering the risks posed to people, one must choose between humans and rodents, he said. 

The government has to cull 1.2 million chickens back in 1997 during the H5N1 avian flu outbreak. The decision to kill animals has gone beyond science and involved moral values, and the Secretary for Food and Health had to make a difficult decision, he said.