Authorities in Mississippi say one laboratory monkey remains missing after a truck carrying research animals crashed Tuesday afternoon on Interstate 59 in Jasper County. According to the Jasper County Sheriff’s Department, the rhesus monkeys originated from Tulane University in New Orleans and were reportedly infected with viruses such as hepatitis C and Covid-19, raising initial public health concerns.
“The monkeys are approximately 40 pounds, aggressive toward humans, and require protective equipment to handle,” the department said in a Facebook post. However, Tulane University disputed the report, stating the primates did not belong to the university and were not infectious. “We are actively collaborating with local authorities and will send a team of animal care experts to assist,” Tulane spokesperson Andrew Yawn told WTVA.
Local authorities confirmed that all but one of the monkeys were “destroyed” by Tuesday evening, while one remains at large. Officials continue to warn residents to avoid contact with the animal. The incident prompted confusion over the monkeys’ health status and the transport procedures used for biomedical research animals.
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