*UPDATED: UCLA researcher receives allegedly AIDS-tainted razor blades from Animal Liberation Front*

[Updated at 5:33 p.m. Tuesday]

Animal research extremists claimed responsibility today for sending a package and threatening letter to David Jentsch, a neuroscientist at UCLA who conducts research on animals.

The package was delivered to Jentsch’s home earlier this month and included razor blades as well as a threatening letter, said Phil Hampton, senior executive director of media relations.

The Animal Liberation Front released a statement today that said they had sent a package to Jentsch that included AIDS-tainted razor blades.

Jentsch said although there were many razors in the box, it did not appear that they had any biological fluid on them.

Hampton said he could not confirm whether the razor blades were infected, but that university police and the FBI are investigating the incident.

UCPD spokeswoman Nancy Greenstein declined to give further information on the investigation.

The group has also claimed to have sent a similar package to one of Jentsch’s researchers, but no other package has been found, Hampton said.

Jentsch said during the past few years he and other researchers have received numerous threats that have been claimed to be sent by animal rights groups. He has also had his car torched and several packages sent to his home.

“I’m very concerned about all researchers, not just the people who work with me,” Jentsch said. “I have general concerns for the larger community, not just those that work in labs.”