Target: Dr. Susan Monarez, Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Goal: Demand immediate action to address the unreported spread of drug-resistant Shigella among monkeys and ensure public health safety.
A recent report by PETA highlights alarming public health risks associated with the Shigella pathogen, which is reportedly widespread among monkeys in the U.S. experimentation industry. This highly contagious and often drug-resistant pathogen is transmitted through fecal contamination, with potentially infected monkeys being transported across various facilities, raising serious concerns for human health. With over 100,000 monkeys housed in laboratories, breeders, and holding facilities, this issue demands urgent attention.
The findings also suggest that antibiotic use in these primates fosters conditions for antimicrobial resistance, with symptoms of Shigella infections—including severe diarrhea, fever, and, in extreme cases, death—affecting not only the animals but also the workers in these environments. Alarmingly, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued warnings about rising antibiotic-resistant Shigella infections without acknowledging that primates may be a source of this danger. The data remain obscured, preventing necessary public awareness and preventive measures.
The call for immediate action is critical. The CDC must release pathogen surveillance data associated with primate experimentation, including the prevalence of Shigella and documented exposure risks to human workers. Transparency is essential to mitigate the spread of these infections and safeguard public health. The demand for change is clear: the CDC must act now to address these serious concerns.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Dr. Monarez,
The recent revelations concerning the spread of Shigella among monkeys used in U.S. laboratories are deeply troubling. As highlighted in PETA’s report, this highly contagious and drug-resistant pathogen poses a significant threat to public health, with incidents of infection reported among workers and troubling conditions documented within primate facilities. With over 100,000 monkeys in such environments, the potential for widespread transmission and public health crises is real and immediate.
It has come to light that the University of Washington reportedly authorized the shipment of monkeys suffering from gastrointestinal diseases, yet acknowledged no signs of such diseases at the time. Alarmingly, within days, many of these monkeys tested positive for Shigella, raising serious questions about the oversight and practices within primate research facilities. Furthermore, the lack of transparency regarding pathogen surveillance data prevents the public and health professionals from fully understanding the risks posed by these animals.
In order to protect public health, we urge you to prioritize the release of information regarding the prevalence of Shigella and other pathogens associated with primate experimentation. The ongoing risks to both human and animal health are too significant to ignore. It is imperative that the CDC act decisively to address these issues and ensure that the public is informed of potential hazards. Immediate action is needed to safeguard the well-being of workers and the broader community.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Pixabay
