The Nation - News from Aug. 25, 1987
Cats carrying a disease that can cause deformities in unborn babies were taken from a laboratory at Beltsville, Md., and an animal-rights group claimed responsibility. Federal officials warned that 11 of the 27 cats missing from the U.S. Agricultural Research Center have toxoplasmosis, a parasite that can infect humans through contact with feces. The group, Band of Mercy, said the animals would go to “caring homes,” but John McClung of the USDA said: “I hope there aren’t any pregnant women in those homes.” No arrests were made, but McClung said the FBI was investigating.
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