The official press confirmed this Saturday the theft of 11 rabbits that were used for laboratory tests at the Sancti Spíritus Biotechnology Engineering Center (CIGB). The statement avoids offering details of the crime and ensures that the animals were not infected with tuberculosis, as numerous rumors had claimed that the institution is now determined to deny.
The rabbits were taken during a “robbery” on May 8 from the area of the bioterio –dedicated to raising animals in special conditions– of the University of Medical Sciences of Sancti Spíritus. The note admits that the eleven specimens were used in “routine immunization experiments with antigens of biotechnological interest”, whose objective was “to obtain polyclonal antibodies”.
However, despite having functioned as test subjects until their theft, the animals did not suffer from any type of contagion, the entity assures.
The note admits that the eleven specimens were used in “routine immunization experiments with antigens of biotechnological interest.”
The note also explains that the place where the rabbits are raised, under the administration of the CIGB, is located at the University of Spiritu, “for which reason many users of social networks commented that the rabbits belonged to this house of high studies”, they refer .
In addition, they clarify that the place “has a standardized environment according to the needs of the species housed there.”
The animal house is under police investigation, although the Ministry of the Interior has not yet offered its version of events. The CIGB, for its part, warns that the theft “will not go unpunished.”
An audio circulated on social networks this week warned of the alleged disease of stolen rabbits. “Don’t buy them,” the recording indicated, “because the rabbits they were using in the tuberculosis study were stolen last night in Medical Sciences. Those animals are sick.” It also guaranteed that the thieves intended to sell the meat of the animals, hiding the fact of their illness.
Other similar rumors appeared on the internet, stating that the situation was “delicate” and the robbery was even attributed to teenagers.
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