(AU) Rogue monkey threatens ship docking

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Rogue monkey threatens ship docking

By Nick Butterly

November 06, 2006 06:09pm

 

THE crew of a large cargo ship headed for Sydney have been told to catch or kill

a rogue monkey running loose aboard the vessel or they will not be allowed to

dock.

 

A spokesman for the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) said the

container ship, said to be coming from China, was due in Australian waters

within two days.

 

The ship's crew have sent Australian authorities photos of the animal in a bid

to have it identified, but the quarantine spokesman said the shots were of a

poor quality and showed only a " small brown blur " .

 

The crew have no idea how the animal came to be aboard and say they have not

been able to get close to it since first spotting it sitting on top of a

container some weeks ago.

 

It has not been seen for almost three days.

 

" They have searched the vessel and can't find it, " the AQIS spokesman said.

 

The ship's captain has been advised of Australia's quarantine requirements and

warned the monkey had to be captured or " appropriately disposed of " before the

ship would be allowed to berth in Australia.

 

The AQIS spokesman said Australian officials might have to meet the vessel out

at sea so it could be cleared to enter port.

 

Animal handling experts might also be brought in if needed.

 

Quarantine agents are concerned that a wild monkey could carry rabies or even

simian encephalitis.

 

" Apparently it's quite wild, " the AQIS spokesman said.

 

" We will probably have to organise some kind of animal handler. "

 

The agency would not reveal the name of the ship or what it is carrying.

 

A spokeswoman for the RSPCA said she hoped the animal would be dealt with in a

humane manner.

 

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,20710417-1702,00.html