Sawbones: A Marital Tour of Misguided Medicine Sawbones: Monkey Escape
Nov 4, 2025
In a lighthearted dive, hosts explore the wild story of a truck mishap involving escaped research monkeys. They dissect sensational headlines about the monkeys' potential infection risks, correcting inaccuracies along the way. The discussion reveals the role of rhesus macaques in research, their genetic similarities to humans, and past escape incidents. With a focus on public safety, they clarify the minimal risk these monkeys pose, particularly regarding diseases like COVID-19 and the concerning B virus. Fun and informative!
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Truck Crash Released Research Monkeys
- A Tulane transport truck overturned on I-59 with 21 rhesus macaques onboard and several escaped after the crash. Six monkeys initially escaped and three remained at large at the time of recording.
Initial Reports Fueled Sensational Headlines
- Early official reports repeated the transporter’s claims that monkeys were infected with COVID, hepatitis C, and herpes, which fueled sensational headlines. Later clarification from Tulane and the sheriff reduced the infection claims and corrected the narrative.
Tulane Said Monkeys Were Pathogen-Free
- Tulane clarified the monkeys were not their responsibility and said the animals had recent checkups confirming they were pathogen-free. The sheriff later echoed that the monkeys were not harboring disease despite earlier statements.
