Health Monitoring of Nonhuman Primates

Background: Unlike the majority of animals used at Yale University, the life span of nonhuman primates (NHPs) used in research frequently spans 20 -30 years. To conserve valuable resources, a nonhuman primate may be used in several protocols involving varied experimental paradigms over the course of its lifespan. Veterinary Clinical Services (VCS) bears significant responsibility for determining an animal’s suitability for research activities based on its medical history. Establishing baseline or current health data on our NHPs is essential to maintaining animal health and welfare and advising investigators about the impact of medical conditions on research.

Guidelines:

• All NHPs will receive an annual physical examination by a VCS veterinarian. Animals with chronic conditions may require more frequent exams and/or diagnostic procedures.
• Semiannual physical examinations will be performed on all NHPs greater than 15 years of age. Complete blood counts (CBC) and serum chemistry profiles (urinalysis if samples can be collected) will be performed on an annual basis as deemed necessary by veterinary judgment.
• Semiannual physical examinations, and diagnostics as indicated (e.g. CBC, chemistry profile, urinalysis, endocrine assays) will be performed on all NHPs used in studies involving administration of proprietary pharmacological agents* or drugs with known toxicities.
• In consultation with the investigator, nonhuman primates undergoing major survival surgery or procedures involving prolonged anesthesia may in veterinary judgment require a pre-surgical physical exam and diagnostic work up. In these cases the laboratory will need to provide VCS advanced notice (1-2 weeks) to allowing adequate time for diagnostics (e.g. clinical pathology, imaging, etc.) prior to the procedure.
• When deemed necessary by veterinary judgment, NHPs will be required to have a physical exam with or without diagnostics prior to VCS approving protocol transfers.

* This may be waived upon veterinary review of toxicology data provided by the investigator.

REVIEWED & APPROVED BY THE IACUC: 7/18/07

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Last Modified: July 17, 2007

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