Documents obtained by the animal research watchdog group White Coat Waste Project reveal that the National Institutes of Health's (NIH) Rocky Mountain Laboratories (RML) reported a possible theft, loss, or release of a highly regulated select biological agent in November 2025.
The Rocky Mountain Laboratories
According to the lab's November 2025 biosafety report, under the section for "Biological Incidents to Report," RML documented: "Form 3 reported to Federal Select Agent Program on 11/13/2025."This entry refers to USDA-CDC Form 3, the mandatory notification form used by registered facilities to alert the Federal Select Agent Program — a joint program of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) — of any theft, loss, or release involving select agents or toxins. These substances are classified as posing a severe threat to public health, animal health, or plant health and are subject to strict federal oversight.
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Select agents include some of the world's most dangerous pathogens and toxins, such as anthrax, plague, foot-and-mouth disease, Ebola, and others capable of causing widespread harm or death. Federal regulations require immediate reporting of such incidents, with a complete Form 3 submission typically due within days of discovery. The reports help authorities assess risks, contain potential exposures, and investigate circumstances.
No additional public details have emerged regarding the specific agent involved, the nature of the incident (whether theft, loss, or release), any potential exposures, containment measures taken, or outcomes. The NIH and RML have not issued public statements on the matter as of the latest available information.
Located in Hamilton, Montana, RML is a high-containment biomedical research facility operated by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) — formerly led by Dr. Anthony Fauci. The lab specializes in studying dangerous pathogens, often through high-risk animal experiments in Biosafety Level 3 and 4 facilities. Its work includes research on emerging infectious diseases, with the goal of developing countermeasures like vaccines and treatments.
White Coat Waste Project, an organization that opposes taxpayer-funded animal experimentation, obtained the documents through public records requests or related efforts. The group has previously sued RML to obtain records on its animal research practices and has advocated for legislation to reduce or eliminate funding for such work at the facility.
This reported incident highlights ongoing concerns about biosafety and security at high-containment labs handling select agents. While such facilities maintain rigorous protocols to prevent escapes or unauthorized access, past incidents at various U.S. labs have prompted scrutiny from Congress, regulators, and watchdog groups. Neither the Federal Select Agent Program nor the NIH has released further information publicly at this time. Authorities typically investigate these reports thoroughly, but details remain confidential unless a broader public health risk is identified.