Most of 21 Macaques Euthanized After Crash

A transport truck overturned Oct. 28 on I‑59 north of Heidelberg, Mississippi, releasing 21 rhesus macaques and scattering wooden crates labeled “live animals.” Initial accounts from the truck’s occupants told deputies the animals were aggressive and carrying diseases such as hepatitis C, herpes and COVID‑19, and deputies shot and killed several animals at the scene. Officials later revised counts, saying most of the macaques were euthanized while three remained at large, and authorities deployed search teams in protective gear, set traps and issued public warnings not to approach the animals. Tulane University said the macaques had recent health checks showing they were pathogen‑free and that Tulane did not own or transport the animals, though it sent animal‑care experts to assist. Investigations continue into who owned or was transporting the animals and the decision‑making that led to lethal action amid conflicting information.