Safety fears after potentially deadly bacteria is accidentally released from high-security Louisiana research lab
Bacteria released by Tulane National Primate Research Center, Louisiana
Burkholderia pseudomallei causes potentially fatal infectious disease
Spreads to animals and humans through contaminated soil and water
Two monkeys have died from disease and one investigator hospitalised
Center treating release as ‘serious’ but denies any public health threat
By LYDIA WILLGRESS
DalyMailUK
2 March 2015
A potentially deadly bacteria has been accidentally released from a high-security research laboratory leading to serious safety fears.
The Burkholderia pseudomallei bacteria was found in animals at the Tulane National Primate Research Center in Louisiana, which is just 35 miles north of New Orleans.
The bacteria, primarily found in south-east Asia, can spread to animals and humans through direct contact with contaminated soil and water.
But despite thorough investigations by multiple authorities the cause of the release and extent of the contamination are still unknown.
It is the latest in a series of significant accidents that have taken place across the country.
Richard Ebright, a biosafety expert from Rutgers University in New Jersey, said the release was worrying.
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