Monkeys believed to be on the loose in Mississippi after a vehicle accident are not carrying diseases, contrary to earlier reports from public officials.

Social media posts by the Jasper County Sheriff's Department had warned people to stay away from them, saying they were dangerous and disease ridden.

According to a statement issued by Tulane University via email on Tuesday night, the animals were not exposed to any diseases.

"Non-human primates at the Tulane National Biomedical Research Center are provided to other research organizations to advance scientific discovery," the statement read. "The primates in question belong to another entity, and they have not been exposed to any infectious agent."

The Clarion Ledger was also contacted by Mike Strecker, assistant vice president of med

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