At least seven rhesus macaques at State have been exposed to the potentially deadly bacteria . They were exposed even though the bacterium was being studied in a secure lab in another part of the 500-acre research complex . Initial tests indicate that it has not spread to surrounding areas - which include a school and homes - but further tests are required . The potentially deadly bacterium , Burkholderia pseudomallei , is not found in the U.S. and can be contracted through contact with contaminated areas .
At least seven rhesus macaques at the Tulane National Primate Research Center have been exposed to the potentially deadly bacteria . They were exposed even though the bacterium was being studied in a secure lab in another part of the 500-acre research complex . Initial tests indicate that it has not spread to surrounding areas - which include a school and homes - but further tests are required . The potentially deadly bacterium , Burkholderia pseudomallei , is not found in the U.S. and can be contracted through contact with contaminated areas .