Story perspectives

Truck Crash Spills Infected Monkeys, Euthanizing Most in Mississippi

10/29/2025

Summary

Story summary

A truck carrying rhesus monkeys crashed on Interstate 59 in Jasper County, Mississippi, on October 28, 2025.
The Jasper County Sheriff's Department reported that the monkeys were infected with diseases like hepatitis C and COVID-19, raising health concerns.
Tulane University clarified that the monkeys do not belong to them and are not infectious, stating they are provided to other research organizations.
Local authorities euthanized all but one of the escaped monkeys and continue to search for the remaining animal.

History

Historical Context

The Rhesus Monkey Importation Act of 1975 established regulations for importing nonhuman primates into the U.S. due to concerns over zoonotic diseases, highlighted by the 2003 monkeypox outbreak. Each year, approximately 12,000 nonhuman primates are imported, primarily for research. The recent truck crash in Mississippi emphasizes the ongoing risks associated with primate transport and the need for enhanced biosecurity measures in animal research.

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Story summary

A truck carrying rhesus monkeys crashed on Interstate 59 in Jasper County, Mississippi, on October 28, 2025.
The Jasper County Sheriff's Department reported that the monkeys were infected with diseases like hepatitis C and COVID-19, raising health concerns.
Tulane University clarified that the monkeys do not belong to them and are not infectious, stating they are provided to other research organizations.
Local authorities euthanized all but one of the escaped monkeys and continue to search for the remaining animal.

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