Aggressive lab monkeys infected with herpes and Hepatitis C escape following truck crash – US News – News
A truck full of several sick laboratory monkeys crashed Tuesday morning in Jasper County, Mississippi, and authorities are warning residents to remain vigilant.
Rhesus monkeys from Tulane University escaped confinement after the truck overturned on Interstate 59. According to Sheriff Randy Johnson, the truck was transporting 21 monkeys to a testing center in Florida when it crashed near the 117-mile marker, just north of Heidelberg.
Most of the monkeys have been found, but at least one remains uncontained, Johnson said. Law enforcement and wildlife officials are warning the public not to approach the animals by any means and to call authorities if one is spotted.
“Do not try to capture or touch these monkeys,” Johnson warned. “They can be aggressive and carry diseases such as hepatitis C, herpes and COVID.”
Authorities said five of the monkeys were “eliminated” for safety reasons. Teams from Tulane University are dispatched to capture the remaining animals and assist with cleanup and containment efforts.
Local law enforcement was joined by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks to help manage the situation and coordinate with an animal removal company. The highway is partially restricted as cleanup continues, officials said.
“We continue to search for the monkey who is still at large,” Sheriff Johnson said in a statement.
Photos from the crash site show cages scattered along the side of the road and responders working to secure the surviving animals. The sheriff stressed that residents near Heidelberg and along I-59 should remain cautious until all the animals are found.
“If you see one, don’t approach it, report it,” he said.
The incident sparked concern and disbelief online, with many residents believing the post was a joke. The sheriff’s office has repeatedly said the incident was real.
Officials stressed that public safety and containment are the main priorities as recovery efforts continue.
“Nonhuman primates from the Tulane National Biomedical Research Center are provided to other research organizations to advance scientific discovery,” read a statement from Andrew Yawn of Tulane University. “The primates in question belong to another entity and are not contagious. We are actively collaborating with local authorities and will send a team of animal care experts to assist if necessary.”
