Thursday, 28 November 2024

Over 40 Monkeys Used For Vaccine Development Escape From South Carolina Biolab

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Authorities in South Carolina are searching for 43 monkeys that escaped from a medical research facility in Yemassee.

The monkeys were being used for vaccine development.

“43 monkeys that were being used for vaccine development escaped from a lab in Yemassee, South Carolina on Wednesday and are currently on the loose. This video, taken near the facility on Wednesday afternoon, appears to show shadowy figures moving through the woods. CBS News could not confirm that the figures are the missing monkeys,” CBS News wrote.

“People are advised not to try and capture, feed, or handle the monkeys. According to the CDC, some monkeys can carry B virus which can be deadly to people; ‘Even if a monkey doesn’t appear to be ill, it can still be infected. [The monkeys] are wild animals, even if they have been raised around people. Like any wild animals, they may bite, spit, or scratch when frightened. For these reasons, people should not attempt to capture, feed, or handle the escaped monkeys,'” the outlet added.

“As of early Friday, there was no indication the fugitive monkeys had been captured,” CBS News noted.

“Currently an urgent search is underway as authorities report that 40 to 43 rhesus monkeys escaped from a research bio-lab facility in the Yemassee area of South Carolina on Wednesday evening. Officials from the Yemassee Police Department confirmed that the monkeys escaped from the Alpha Genesis Primate bio lab Research Center,” Rawsalerts wrote.

“Traps have been set up in the area, and police are using thermal imaging cameras to help locate the animals. Authorities are advising residents to keep doors and windows closed, avoid approaching the monkeys, and call 911 immediately if they see any of the escaped animals, as this could pose a public health concern,” the post added.

Per CBS News:

In an update posted to social media late Thursday, police said at least some of the primates had been spotted in a wooded region near the facility and urged residents to steer clear of the animals.

“The staff at Alpha Genesis are currently attempting to entice the animals back using food in order to ensure their safe capture,” police said.

Alpha Genesis earlier confirmed 43 rhesus macaque primates escaped from an enclosure at the company’s facility. Authorities said the primates were “very young females weighing approximately 6-7 lbs” and had never been used for testing due to their age.

“As of this time the primates have not yet been captured. They are believed to be in the wooded region surrounding the facility. The staff at Alpha Genesis are currently attempting to entice the animals back using food in order to ensure their safe capture. Further updates will be provided as we obtain more information,” the Yemassee Police Department said Thursday evening.

“We urge anyone who sights or encounters one of these animals to contact 911 immediately and to refrain from approaching or interacting with them. These animals are highly sensitive and easily startled, we recommend that the public to avoid the area to prevent frightening them further,” it added.

From the Associated Press:

Alpha Genesis employees “currently have eyes on the primates and are working to entice them with food,” police said in a statement issued around noon Thursday.

The company usually handles escapes on site, but the monkeys got outside the compound about 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) from downtown Yemassee, Alexander said.

“The handlers know them well and usually can get them back with fruit or a little treat,” Alexander told The Associated Press by phone.

But rounding up these escapees is taking some more work. Alpha Genesis is taking the lead, setting up traps and using thermal imaging cameras to recapture the monkeys on the run, the chief said.

“There is almost no danger to the public,” Alexander said.


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