Home / Disasters and Accidents / Escaped Monkeys Carrying Deadly Diseases Spark Manhunt in Mississippi
Escaped Monkeys Carrying Deadly Diseases Spark Manhunt in Mississippi
28 Oct
Summary
- Truck hauling 21 monkeys overturned in Jasper County, Mississippi
- 6 Rhesus monkeys escaped, carrying hepatitis C, herpes, and COVID-19
- 5 out of 6 escaped monkeys were destroyed, 1 still on the loose
On October 28, 2025, a truck transporting 21 monkeys to a testing facility in Florida overturned on Interstate 59 in Jasper County, Mississippi. The accident occurred just north of Heidelberg, near the 117-mile marker.
According to the Jasper County Sheriff's Office, six Rhesus monkeys from Tulane University escaped the overturned vehicle. Officials stated that the monkeys were carrying hepatitis C, herpes, and COVID-19. In response, authorities have destroyed five of the six escaped monkeys, but one remains on the loose.
"We have been in contact with an animal disposal company to help handle the situation," the Sheriff's Office reported. The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks also responded to the scene, and they are currently searching for the remaining escaped monkey. Neighbors have been advised not to approach the animal if spotted, and to instead call 911 immediately.
Tulane University has been notified of the incident and will send a team to retrieve the surviving monkeys on October 29, 2025.
