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Mako · 09-16-2005, 03:37 PM

Lab loses track of three mice that had plague
As FBI probes Newark mystery, officials say risk to public safety is small
Thursday, September 15, 2005

BY JOSH MARGOLIN AND TED SHERMAN
Star-Ledger Staff

Three lab mice carrying deadly strains of plague have turned up missing from separate cages at a bioterror research facility in Newark, sparking a hushed, intensive investigation by federal and state authorities.

Officials said the animals could have been stolen from the center or simply misplaced in a colossal accounting error at one of the top-level bio-containment labs in the state.

The incident occurred more than two weeks ago and was confirmed only yesterday after questions were raised by The Star-Ledger.

The research lab is located on the campus of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. It is run by the Public Health Research Institute, a leading center for research on infectious diseases, now participating in a six-year federal bio-defense project to find new vaccinations for the plague -- which federal officials fear could be used as a biological weapon.

UMDNJ has responsibility for the security of the building.

At least two dozen employees and researchers at the lab have been interrogated and, in some cases, subjected to lie detector tests. However, the disease-carrying lab mice may never be accounted for, federal officials said. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is also investigating.

"The FBI has expended substantial resources and put many agents into this investigation to satisfy -- among other things -- the most compelling question of whether public safety is at risk," said Special Agent Steve Siegel, a bureau spokesman.

He said the investigation was continuing. The agents on the case are members of the Joint Terrorism Task Force and experts in biological agents that can be turned into weapons of mass destruction.

Although the FBI typically refuses to comment on open investigations, Siegel said the bureau took the unusual step of issuing a statement because of the "compelling public safety issue here" in the case.

"Right now, we are as satisfied as we can be that there is no public safety risk," Siegel stated.

09-16-2005, 03:37 PM
Mako Confirmed User Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: The OC baby! Posts: 1,986	Anyone in Newark? Don't go petting that "friendly mouse"...lol Lab loses track of three mice that had plague As FBI probes Newark mystery, officials say risk to public safety is small Thursday, September 15, 2005 BY JOSH MARGOLIN AND TED SHERMAN Star-Ledger Staff Three lab mice carrying deadly strains of plague have turned up missing from separate cages at a bioterror research facility in Newark, sparking a hushed, intensive investigation by federal and state authorities. Officials said the animals could have been stolen from the center or simply misplaced in a colossal accounting error at one of the top-level bio-containment labs in the state. The incident occurred more than two weeks ago and was confirmed only yesterday after questions were raised by The Star-Ledger. The research lab is located on the campus of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. It is run by the Public Health Research Institute, a leading center for research on infectious diseases, now participating in a six-year federal bio-defense project to find new vaccinations for the plague -- which federal officials fear could be used as a biological weapon. UMDNJ has responsibility for the security of the building. At least two dozen employees and researchers at the lab have been interrogated and, in some cases, subjected to lie detector tests. However, the disease-carrying lab mice may never be accounted for, federal officials said. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is also investigating. "The FBI has expended substantial resources and put many agents into this investigation to satisfy -- among other things -- the most compelling question of whether public safety is at risk," said Special Agent Steve Siegel, a bureau spokesman. He said the investigation was continuing. The agents on the case are members of the Joint Terrorism Task Force and experts in biological agents that can be turned into weapons of mass destruction. Although the FBI typically refuses to comment on open investigations, Siegel said the bureau took the unusual step of issuing a statement because of the "compelling public safety issue here" in the case. "Right now, we are as satisfied as we can be that there is no public safety risk," Siegel stated. __________________