A shocking report published by the Daily Mail has exposed over 50 incidents of laboratory staff at Colorado State University being bitten and scratched while working with test animals infected with Covid and other pathogens. These incidents, which occurred between 2020 and 2023, were never disclosed to the public, raising concerns about transparency and eroding public trust in America's public health institutions.
The bombshell documents obtained by the White Coat Waste Project through FOIA requests reveal a pattern of accidents involving disease-ridden cats, rodents, and bats. Laboratory workers were bitten by Covid-infected hamsters, splashed in the face with blood from mice with tuberculosis, and scratched by rabies-infected cats. These incidents occurred during the height of the Covid pandemic, leading to comparisons with a similar lab accident in China suspected to be the origin of the virus.
Experts have criticized the lack of transparency from the facility, highlighting the need for open communication to maintain public trust in public health institutions. The documents, which include meeting minutes, emails, and internal reports, were shared exclusively with the Daily Mail, bringing these safety control lapses to light.
While 50 incidents over a three-year period may seem significant, it is important to consider the challenges of working with live animals in a laboratory setting. Depending on the nature of the experiment, it may not be possible to euthanize or anesthetize the animals. It is also unclear from the report how many staff members became sick due to the bites or scratches from infected animals.
Additionally, it is worth noting that laboratory animals are bred to be free of any pathogens, except for those involved in the study. It is possible that not every animal-caused injury is reported by laboratory workers, so the number of incidents may be underestimated. The fact that all these reports were filed by CSU lab workers may indicate a robust reporting process for animal incidents.
However, the institution's history raises concerns about its treatment of animals. CSU was previously fined for improper treatment of animals in a vaccine study. The violations included negligence in adhering to humane endpoints and withholding appropriate anesthetics and analgesics from animals experiencing pain or distress. This raises questions about the university's commitment to animal welfare and adherence to protocols.
The most troubling aspect of these revelations is that Colorado State University has been chosen as the site for a new taxpayer-funded lab that will import bats from around the world and experiment on dangerous diseases. Partnering with EcoHealth Alliance, the research group tied to the Wuhan Institute of Virology, which has been implicated in the Covid lab leak theory, raises concerns about the safety and ethics of such research.
The proposed facility will store and study highly transmissible pathogens like Ebola, Nipah virus, and Covid-19. Considering the lethal nature of these viruses, it is crucial to prioritize safety and ensure rigorous scrutiny of the new facility. Construction is set to begin in late 2025, giving ample time for thorough evaluation and risk assessment.
In conclusion, the Daily Mail's exclusive report on the laboratory incidents at Colorado State University highlights the need for transparency and accountability in scientific research. While working with live animals poses inherent challenges, it is essential to prioritize safety, animal welfare, and public trust. The revelations also raise concerns about the university's track record in animal research and its partnership with EcoHealth Alliance, given their controversial association with the Covid lab leak theory. As the construction of the new facility approaches, it is crucial to ensure strict protocols and oversight to prevent any potential risks to public health.
