Monkey
A truck transporting rhesus monkeys from Tulane University in New Orleans overturned on Interstate 59 near Heidelberg, Mississippi, on Tuesday afternoon(October 28), leading to the escape of several monkeys. The incident has raised public health concerns and prompted a coordinated response from local and state authorities, raising alarms about potential public health risks in the United States.
The crash occurred near mile marker 117, approximately 100 miles north of Jackson, Mississippi. According to the Jasper County Sheriff's Department, the truck was carrying rhesus monkeys when it overturned. Six monkeys escaped from their cages, and authorities reported that all but one were euthanized by late Tuesday.
Initial reports from the sheriff's department indicated that the escaped monkeys were infected with hepatitis C, herpes, and COVID-19, posing potential health risks to humans. The department also described the monkeys as approximately 40 pounds, aggressive toward humans, and requiring personal protective equipment (PPE) for handling.
According to the Guardian website, Tulane University issued a statement clarifying that the monkeys were non-infectious and belonged to another research organization. The university emphasized that its National Biomedical Research Center provides primates to other institutions for scientific research and is collaborating with local authorities to assist in the situation.
“The primates in question belong to another entity and are not infectious. We are actively collaborating with local authorities and will send a team of animal care experts to assist as needed.”
The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP) joined local law enforcement and an animal disposal company in responding to the incident. Authorities have urged the public not to approach the escaped monkey and to call 911 if it is sighted. The cause of the truck's overturn remains under investigation.
Residents in the area are advised to exercise caution and report any sightings of the escaped monkey to local authorities immediately. Given the animals' described aggression and the potential health risks, it is crucial to avoid direct contact.
The crash occurred near mile marker 117, approximately 100 miles north of Jackson, Mississippi. According to the Jasper County Sheriff's Department, the truck was carrying rhesus monkeys when it overturned. Six monkeys escaped from their cages, and authorities reported that all but one were euthanized by late Tuesday.
Initial reports from the sheriff's department indicated that the escaped monkeys were infected with hepatitis C, herpes, and COVID-19, posing potential health risks to humans. The department also described the monkeys as approximately 40 pounds, aggressive toward humans, and requiring personal protective equipment (PPE) for handling.
According to the Guardian website, Tulane University issued a statement clarifying that the monkeys were non-infectious and belonged to another research organization. The university emphasized that its National Biomedical Research Center provides primates to other institutions for scientific research and is collaborating with local authorities to assist in the situation.
“The primates in question belong to another entity and are not infectious. We are actively collaborating with local authorities and will send a team of animal care experts to assist as needed.”
The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP) joined local law enforcement and an animal disposal company in responding to the incident. Authorities have urged the public not to approach the escaped monkey and to call 911 if it is sighted. The cause of the truck's overturn remains under investigation.
Residents in the area are advised to exercise caution and report any sightings of the escaped monkey to local authorities immediately. Given the animals' described aggression and the potential health risks, it is crucial to avoid direct contact.
