Primate Center euthanizes third monkey due to bioterror bacteria

Brandi Doyal, Print News Editor

The Tulane National Primate Research Center euthanized a third monkey Thursday, Executive Director of Public Relations Michael Strecker confirmed.

The Center previously euthanized two monkeys for the same infection on Nov. 27 and Feb. 20. 

The Center found that a fifth rhesus macaque monkey was infected with Burkholderia pseudomaelli, a potential bioterror bacteria used in research Monday. The monkey was infected at the same time as the other four, but just started showing symptoms. 

The Center said it still does not know how these monkeys were infected and is currently working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to find out more details about the bacterial outbreak. 

More information will be released as it becomes available. Read the Hullabaloo’s previous coverage on this issue here

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