The Jasper County Sheriff’s Department in Mississippi reported that on Tuesday (28), a transport truck dropped several monkeys infected with COVID and other diseases.
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The truck was transporting rhesus monkeys from a research center affiliated with Tulane University. The vehicle veered off the road and fell into a ditch on Tuesday afternoon.
The monkeys, which weigh about 18 kilograms, carried COVID, hepatitis C, and other diseases. According to the sheriff’s department, they are “aggressive toward humans.”
According to authorities, the truck was destroyed, allowing the primates to escape from their cages. The number of monkeys on the truck was not disclosed.
The department advised anyone who spots the fugitive monkey to call 911 and keep a safe distance from the animal.
Tulane University, however, disputed the sheriff’s claim that the monkeys were infected.
“The primates in question belong to another entity and are not infectious,” the university stated.
“We are actively collaborating with local authorities and will send a team of animal care specialists to assist if needed,” it added.
Photos: Facebook Jasper County Sheriff’s Department, Mississippi. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
