South Carolina Lab Behind Escaped Monkey Drama Conducted Secret Animal Experiments Involving Deadly Virus

A South Carolina research facility's secretive experiments on monkeys, involving dangerous pathogens like the Zika virus, have come to light under recent scrutiny of the lab's practices after 43 monkeys escaped earlier this year, according to a report.

Located in the Lowcountry, the Alpha Genesis research facility has faced backlash for its opaque operations and recent safety lapses, including the escape of 43 monkeys and an incident that reportedly killed 18 others due to carbon monoxide poisoning.

Alpha Genesis, which manages approximately 10,000 primates across multiple facilities, has conducted research on Zika, COVID-19, and HIV vaccines, among others, Post and Courier reported.

One study at the lab involved injecting pregnant rhesus monkeys with an experimental Zika vaccine, followed by intentional exposure to the virus. Researchers then euthanized the fetuses to examine brain abnormalities, yielding results critical for vaccine development.

"A unique aspect of Zika is that it's not just mosquito transmitted, it's sexually transmitted," Melissa Nolan, University of South Carolina Institute of Infectious Disease director said. "When we think about the real concern for pregnancies and fetuses, and any unborn children, it's not just eliminating the mosquito exposure."

The experiments, funded by pharmaceutical companies and government programs, were approved by the lab's internal Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). However, critics argue the committee lacks transparency and effective oversight, with its members' names often redacted from public records.

Animal rights groups and former employees have raised concerns about animal welfare and safety standards at the lab, describing unsanitary conditions and unqualified staff. Documents from the lab detail repeated incidents of monkeys escaping their cages, and a whistleblower alleged that cockroaches and rodents infiltrated areas housing infected primates.

The lab has made it on to the radar of lawmakers, including U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace. "We are concerned about the potential risks associated with the research conducted at Alpha Genesis," Mace stated in a call for strict oversight.

Alpha Genesis has maintained it adheres to federal regulations and insists its biosafety protocols minimize public health risks.