On October 28, 2025, a transport truck carrying research monkeys met with an accident near the Louisiana-Mississippi state line, leading to the escape of several primates into the surrounding areas. Tulane University, the owner of the monkeys, has assured the public that the animals are not carriers of herpes or any other infectious diseases, debunking early social media rumors. However, the presence of an “aggressive” monkey among the escapees has raised concerns about public safety.
The Crash That Set the Monkeys Free
A transport vehicle carrying research monkeys destined for a lab met with an accident on October 28, 2025, near the Louisiana-Mississippi state line. The crash resulted in an undetermined number of monkeys escaping into the wild, with initial estimates suggesting that around 20-30 animals could be on the loose. Local Mississippi police were involved in securing the crash site and have been working tirelessly to locate and capture the escaped animals.
Tulane University’s Health Assurances
In response to the incident, Tulane University, the owner of the monkeys, issued a statement assuring the public that the escaped monkeys “aren’t infectious.” The university emphasized that the animals had undergone rigorous health screenings prior to transport and were not carriers of herpes or any other contagious diseases. Tulane has been working closely with authorities, providing veterinary records to confirm the health status of the animals.
Rumors of Herpes and Misinformation Spread
Shortly after the crash, social media was rife with rumors labeling the escaped monkeys as “herpes-infected research monkeys,” leading to widespread panic. The situation was further exacerbated by conflicting reports and sensational headlines, despite official denials from Tulane University. Fact-checking efforts have since debunked these rumors, clarifying that there is no evidence to suggest that these animals pose a risk of disease transmission.
The “Aggressive” Monkey Among the Escaped
Among the escaped monkeys, one has been described as “aggressive,” exhibiting behaviors such as charging at responders near the crash site. This monkey, likely a rhesus macaque commonly used in research, poses a higher immediate threat due to its size and aggressive behavior. Sightings of this individual in rural areas have prompted authorities to issue warnings to residents to avoid contact.
Police Actions and Lethal Response
On October 29, 2025, U.S. police took the drastic measure of killing several “dangerous” escaped lab monkeys in a bid to protect public safety. These incidents occurred when the animals were deemed an imminent threat and firearms were used after capture attempts failed. Based on official statements, it is estimated that 4-6 monkeys were euthanized, following protocols under state wildlife guidelines.
Assessing the Broader Dangers
While the escaped monkeys do not carry viral diseases like herpes, there are still risks associated with potential bites or scratches that could lead to bacterial infections. Wildlife experts have provided insights on rhesus monkey behavior in unfamiliar environments, including territorial aggression and foraging habits. Authorities are employing containment strategies such as setting traps and using tranquilizers to minimize human-wildlife interactions during the ongoing search.
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