A truck carrying research monkeys from Tulane University flipped on a Mississippi highway, releasing several large, ‘aggressive’ rhesus monkeys into a community. The incident occurred north of Heidelberg in Jasper County, where officials reported that multiple primates escaped after the crash. According to the sheriff’s office, the monkeys are approximately 40 pounds and are described as aggressive to humans, requiring protective equipment for handling. The escaped monkeys are known to carry hepatitis C, herpes, and the coronavirus, raising concerns about potential public health risks.
As of 4:30 p.m. ET, all but one of the escaped monkeys have been ‘destroyed,’ according to deputies. The sheriff’s office is still searching for the one monkey that remains at large and has issued a warning not to approach any of the primates. Tulane University confirmed that the monkeys in question belong to another entity and are not infectious, though the university is collaborating with local authorities to assist in handling the situation. Officials have also been in contact with an animal disposal company to manage the aftermath of the crash.
Mississippi Wildlife and Fisheries has joined local law enforcement in responding to the incident, and the sheriff’s office has addressed concerns on social media, confirming that the post was not a joke. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has criticized the use of monkeys in research, warning that the situation could escalate into a public health crisis. PETA’s Kathy Guillermo emphasized the risks associated with the use of monkeys in laboratories, highlighting the potential for disease transmission and the ethical concerns surrounding animal experimentation.
The sheriff’s office has reiterated that they will continue to provide updates on the situation, emphasizing the need for public safety and cooperation in tracking the remaining monkey. The incident has sparked discussions about the safety and ethics of transporting and using primates for research, with calls for stricter regulations and oversight in the field of biomedical research.