being near the mice. On April 12, upon recommendation from the veterinarian and pursuant to court order, City officials had the veterinarian euthanize the mice.[1]
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Figure 8 - At least ten dead mice, including at least nine decaying carcasses, were found in just one box at the Reedley Biolab. Source: City of Reedley.
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Figure 9 - Evidence of wounds on seven mice found at the Reedley Biolab, indicating inhumane living conditions for the animals. Source: City of Reedley.
As part of their review, local officials uncovered marked and unmarked “fire danger and explosion hazards created by the corrosive, toxic, and highly flammable chemicals stored” in the Reedley Biolab.[2] These materials were highly dangerous. Were a fire to occur, Fire Department officials assessed that the City of Reedley would need to evacuate at least one city block around the warehouse.[3] The “proposed evacuation zone would include the City of Reedley Police Department, City Hall, the Kings Canyon Unified District main office, and approximately 12 residential homes.”[4] The potential blast radius would increase significantly if the fire spread to the gas station located next door.
While the inspection process was ongoing, Jesse Zhu, using the false name “David He,” began communicating over the phone and via email with local officials. He said that he was a “special representative” of UMI.[5] Zhu asked for local officials not to destroy the pathogen samples. Instead, he asked that they allow him to move them off-site using a company that is unlicensed for medical
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