Many species of nonhuman primates are maintained in captivity. Most groups have commonalities in husbandry and veterinary care. Broadly, nonhuman primates can be divided into two major groups most commonly encountered by veterinarians:
Strepsirrhini (lemurs, lorises, and galagos) are characterized by a wet, doglike nose and dentition reflective of an herbivorous diet. Generally, females have a bicornuate uterus.
Haplorhini (monkeys, apes, and tarsiers) are characterized by a dry, flattened nose and dentition reflective of an omnivorous diet. Generally, females have a simplex uterus. Haplorhines are generally subdivided into New World monkeys of Central and South America; great apes; and Old World monkeys of Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Species such as Lemur catta (ring-tailed lemur), Callithrix jacchus (common marmoset), Saguinus spp (tamarins), and Cebus spp (capuchins) are more commonly encountered in zoo settings and private veterinary practice.
The nonhuman primate species most widely used in research include the following:
South Asian species:
Macaca mulatta (rhesus monkey)
Macaca fascicularis (cynomolgus monkey)
Macaca nemestrina (southern pig-tailed monkey)
African species:
Chlorocebus aethiops (African green monkey, vervet monkey)
Papio spp (baboons)
New World monkeys (Central and South America):
Saimiri sciureus (squirrel monkey)
Aotus trivirgatus (owl monkey)
Callithrix jacchus (common marmoset)
Tamarins (Saguinus spp) are of South American origin and have had more limited use in research, but they are common in the pet trade.
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and US Endangered Species Act regulate the conservation status of nonhuman primates and have a profound impact on the import and export of nonhuman primates. Importation of nonhuman primates into the US is prohibited except for scientific, educational, and exhibition purposes.
Nonhuman primates are natural hosts for a variety of infectious agents, many of which are zoonotic. They are also susceptible to many infectious diseases of humans, such as measles and tuberculosis. Most species, and especially infants and juveniles, are also highly susceptible to human common cold and influenza viruses, as well as to streptococcal infections, and should be isolated from humans showing upper respiratory signs. Personal protective equipment (clothing that covers the arms, face masks, goggles or face shields, and gloves) should be worn at all times while handling and examining nonhuman primates.
All newly acquired nonhuman primates should be quarantined for 1–3 months before research use or introduction into established colonies, to permit adequate evaluation of their health status and to allow adaptation to the laboratory or zoo environment.
The basic principle of quarantine is to completely isolate each group of animals. Any mixing of animals from different shipments or sources means that a new quarantine period must be started. Nonhuman primates imported into the US must undergo a minimum 31-day import quarantine in a facility registered with the CDC.
Pearls & Pitfalls
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All nonhuman primates, including new arrivals, should be routinely tested for tuberculosis and fecal pathogens as part of a preventive health program. Depending on the species, serological or PCR testing for infectious agents such as cytomegalovirus, herpesviruses, and other agents of concern should also be performed. (See Viral Diseases of Nonhuman Primates.)
Antimicrobial stewardship must be carefully considered when treating nonhuman primates and should include culture and susceptibility testing. See the Association of Primate Veterinarians Guidelines for the Judicious Use of Antimicrobials.
