Aggressive And 'Diseased' Monkeys Loose In Mississippi: Here's What You Should Do When You Spot One

One monkey remains missing, and residents are urged not to approach or risk bites due to potential zoonotic disease threats. (Credit: Rajesh Balouria/Pixabay)

A public safety alert has been issued in Mississippi after a lorry carrying rhesus monkeys overturned on Interstate 59 near Heidelberg, releasing several of the animals into surrounding woodland.

Local authorities said the primates, each weighing about 18 kilograms, were considered 'aggressive' and warned residents not to approach them. Officials initially claimed the monkeys could carry diseases including hepatitis C, herpes and COVID-19.