The U.S. Department of Agriculture has issued a warning against the company the runs a primate research facility in Yemassee following the death of 22 endangered, long-tailed macaque monkeys last year.
The federal agency has been investigating Alpha Genesis since the monkeys' bodies were discovered in November. They reportedly died from carbon monoxide from a malfunctioning heater.
Nearly 8 months later, the USDA warns the company that its outdoor facilities must “provide adequate shelter from the elements at all times”.
The warning goes on to say, “the shelter must provide heat to the nonhuman primates to prevent the ambient temperature from falling below 45 degrees”.
The USDA adds further violations could lead to criminal prosecution.
Alpha Genesis has not responded to requests for comment. This is same research facility where 43 monkeys escaped last year.
The company has been warned before, in 2022, and was fined in 2018 for issues involving housing and handling.
Alpha Genesis breeds and sells monkeys for research worldwide. The agency acquires millions in federal contracts, as it houses some 10, 000 monkeys at its two facilities in Yemassee and Early Branch, as well as Morgan Island.
