Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — New Mexico researchers report that a highly infectious gastrointestinal infection caused by a type of bacteria called Shigella, was spread from humans to primates at the Albuquerque BioPark Zoo between May 2021 and November 2023. Research published Tuesday found the infection spread into the zoo, causing six primate deaths. The infection is passed through contact with the bacteria — found in feces —including contact with other surfaces; contaminated food or water; or person-to-person contact.
