3 Escaped Monkeys from Crashed Truck Reportedly Carry Diseases
Authorities are searching for three monkeys reportedly carrying hepatitis C, herpes, and COVID-19 that escaped after a truck crash.
Authorities are on the lookout for three monkeys that escaped after a truck carrying them crashed, sparking concern due to reports that the animals might be carrying contagious diseases.
According to a Facebook post from the Jasper County Sheriff’s Department on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 (Wednesday), the truck was transporting rhesus monkeys from Tulane University when the accident happened.
The post stated that each monkey weighs around 40 pounds, can be aggressive toward humans, and should only be handled with proper protective equipment.
It was also mentioned that the monkeys were believed to be carriers of hepatitis C, herpes, and COVID-19. Tulane University was reportedly informed and was expected to send a team to retrieve the remaining monkeys that were still in their cages.
However, in a separate statement, Tulane University clarified that the escaped monkeys were not being delivered to their facility and that the animals were not infectious.
According to Tulane spokesperson Andrew Yawn, the university’s National Biomedical Research Center provides non-human primates to other research groups for scientific purposes.
“The monkeys carry hepatitis C, herpes, and COVID. Tulane University has been notified and will send a team to pick up the monkeys tomorrow ( the ones that are still caged).” the post reads.
He added that the escaped monkeys belong to another organization, are not carriers of contagious diseases, and that Tulane is cooperating with local authorities by sending animal care experts to assist in the recovery.
The incident has caused alarm among nearby residents, who were urged to avoid approaching the monkeys if spotted. Officials continue their efforts to safely capture the animals and ensure the public’s safety.
In another report, the authorities arrest man for stealing endangered monkeys in France
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