Role in Research
Research with non-human primates (NHPs) is critical to increasing our knowledge of how the human brain works and its role in cognitive, motor, and mental illnesses such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and depression. This research is also fundamental to understanding how to prevent and treat emerging infectious diseases like Zika and Ebola. NHP research is uncovering critical information about the most common and costly metabolic disorder in the U.S. – type 2 diabetes – as well as the obesity that contributes to the disease.
Non-human primates are used in research because of their significant genetic, physiological, and behavioral similarities to humans, making them one of the best animal models for studying human diseases and developing treatments, particularly when research requires complex biological systems or behaviors that cannot be adequately studied in other animals.
Examples of research areas where non-human primates have contributed to medical breakthroughs:
- Vaccine development: Vaccines for diseases like HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B, and Ebola
- Neurological disorders: Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and schizophrenia
- Cancer research: Developing cancer treatments and understanding tumor development
- Organ transplantation: Studying organ rejection and developing immunosuppressive therapies
- Reproductive health: Researching fertility, pregnancy complications, and menopause
| Topic | Non-Human Primate Specific Requirements |
|---|---|
| Purchasing | Purchasing non-human primates is regulated by the CDC, USDA, and the NIH, and requires a compelling scientific rationale before contacting specialized facilities or private breeders |
| Identification | Microchip; tattoo; collar |
| Housing | Sufficient space for movement and exercise, social housing with compatible groups when appropriate, enriched environments with various textures and stimuli, species-specific climbing structures like perches, access to natural light, proper temperature and humidity control, and a varied diet allowing for foraging behavior |
| Temperature | Ambient temperature must be between 64-75° F. Temperatures outside this range lasting longer than 4 hours must be reported to the IACUC |
| Enrichment | Cage complexities, inanimate objects to manipulate, varied food items, foraging or task-oriented feeding methods, and interactions with human personnel |
| Social Housing Requirements | Socially housed in direct contact for animals proven to be compatible with their own or compatible species. If social housing is not possible, NHPs must have, at minimum, visual, auditory, and olfactory communication with other NHPs. |
| Approved Social Housing exceptions | Requires scientific justification by the PI that is approved in their IACUC protocol; inability to find a compatible individual for social contact; the animal is exempted by the AV for medical reasons |
| Restraint | Restraint periods longer than 12 hours must include a one (1) hour free movement break. |
USDA Non-Human Primate Research Requirements
Non-Human Primates are a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) covered species. Research with non-human primates is subject to additional requirements detailed in the Animal Welfare Act and associated Regulations. USDA-regulated Species include all live or dead warm-blooded animals used in research except birds bred in captivity and used for research, rats of the genus Rattus, and mice of the genus Mus bred for research. This also excludes “cold-blooded” animals such as fish, reptiles, and amphibians.
Non-Human Primate research requires species specific regulatory responsibilities below:
Scientific Justification: Researchers must demonstrate that using non-human primates is absolutely necessary for the study and that no other animal model can adequately address the research question.
Animal Welfare: Primates used in research should primarily be captive-bred to avoid the stress of wild capture. Enclosures must provide adequate space, enrichment opportunities, and environmental conditions to maintain the animal’s well-being. Regular veterinary monitoring and treatment are crucial.
Personnel Training: Researchers handling primates must undergo extensive training on primate behavior, handling techniques, and biosafety procedures. Training activities specific to the lab and completed by the PI or senior lab personnel must be documented and available for review by the USDA Veterinary Medical Officer upon request. Proper personal protective equipment must be worn when interacting with primates. Researchers must be aware of potential zoonotic diseases that can be transmitted between primates and humans and take appropriate precautions. Handling primate blood and bodily fluids should follow strict biosafety protocols.
Fluid Restriction: Non-human primates will be provided with continuous access to potable water. If water is not continuously available to non-human primates, water must be provided twice a day for a minimum of one (1) hour each time unless a scientifically justified scheduling or restriction program is approved in the protocol. The IACUC protocol must include a monitoring plan to ensure food and fluid intake meets the nutritional needs of the individual animal. Written records of the monitoring must be maintained and must include total volume of water consumed (fluid earned during experimental sessions and supplemental fluids), body weights, and documentation of any adverse clinical or behavioral changes used as criteria for the humane endpoint.
Additional USDA covered species regulatory responsibilities and requirements applicable to all covered species are outlined on the IACUC USDA Requirements site.
Policy, Guidelines, and Informational Links
The IACUC has provided a set of guidance documents (General and Species Specific Policies and Informational References) for use when utilizing rodents for animal research procedures a Washington University. All procedures must be described, justified, and approved in Animal Protocol prior conducting.
Non-human Primate Specific Policies
Fluid Regulation Policy for Non-Human Primates-Requirements for Fluid Regulation or Restriction Programs
NHP: Acclimation of Nonhuman Primates to Experimental Restraint– guidelines, methods, and suggestions for proper experimental restraint
NHP: Handling of Conscious Nonhuman Primates Policy–Personnel handling conscious nonhuman primates (NHPs) must be trained and familiar with the particular method of restraint used. The method of restraint selected must minimize the risk of escape, injury and distress to the animal and provide sufficient distance between the animal and human handler to protect the handler from bites, scratches, and injury.
NHP: Maintenance of Cephalic Implants and Hardware in Nonhuman Primates– Guidelines for proper maintenance for investigators that use various species of NHPs necessitating the surgical implantation of cephalic implants and other hardware
NHP: Nonhuman Primate Socialization and Environmental Enrichment This policy addresses nonhuman primate (NHP) social grouping, NHP environmental enrichment (EE), considerations of NHPs requiring special attention, the use of restraining devices for NHPs, and exemptions to the NHP EE plan.
NHP: Precautions to Minimize the Risk of Herpesvirus simiae (B Virus) and Other Zoonotic Diseases to Personnel Utilizing Macaques All personnel who work with macaques (Macaca spp.) or non-fixed tissues must know and follow the safety guidelines for working with these animals. Personnel protective equipment (PPE) and procedures required for working with macaques are established by the IACUC and based on applicable federal laws and guidelines
Surgery: Anesthesia, Surgery and Post-Procedural Care for Non-Rodent Mammals provides guidelines for proper animal handling, pre- and post-procedural care, anesthesia monitoring, aseptic surgical technique, proper use of anesthetics, analgesics and tranquilizers and proper surgical technique.
Surgery: Major vs. Minor Surgical Procedures in Non-Rodent Mammals parameters to determine if a procedure is a major or minor surgical procedure based on standards set by the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) and the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (Guide)
Surgery: Multiple Survival Surgeries describes guidelines to meet in order to perform multiple survival surgeries
NHP: Nonhuman Primate Socialization and Environmental Enrichment This policy addresses nonhuman primate (NHP) social grouping, NHP environmental enrichment (EE), considerations of NHPs requiring special attention, the use of restraining devices for NHPs, and exemptions to the NHP EE plan
Euthanasia Policy includes methods of euthanasia that are consistent with the AVMA euthanasia guidelines for common species used at Washington University
General Policies
Personal Protective Equipment for Laboratory Animal Handlers Guideline– describes the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to ensure potential allergens and other hazards do not have direct contact with the animal handler and to reduce contamination of clothing.
Animal Transport and Use in Public Access Areas– all personnel involved in animal care and use must ensure that animal transport is conducted in a safe and appropriate manner consistent with the requirements and transport equipment for multiple species described in this document
Animal Identification– describes required cage information and approved methods for individual animals identification
Acclimation and Quarantine Policy– acclimation and quarantine guidelines for purchased and imported animals for other facilities or institutions
Blood Collection– information for non-terminal blood collection allowable blood collection volumes and frequency
Expiration Date and Sterility Policy– guidelines for determining expiration dates, substance sterility, proper labeling, storage and inspection of administered substances
Sterilants and Disinfectants– guidance for approved sterilization techniques and appropriate agents for intermediate disinfection of instruments, hard surfaces, and rodent skin tissue
Surgery: Multiple Survival Surgeries– protocol requirements for proposed research involving multiple survival surgeries
Euthanasia Policy– describes approved methods of euthanasia that are consistent with the AVMA euthanasia guidelines for common species used at Washington University
Physical Restraint of Conscious Animals– describes the parameters associated with restraint what exceptions must be described in your protocol
Humane Endpoints in Animal Experiments– parameters for endpoints and monitoring plans for experimental endpoints requiring scientific justification exception in protocol
Images, Photos, or Videos of Research Animals– collection of images, photos, videos, or audio recordings of Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL) research animals must be described and approved in the IACUC animal use protocol. Policy describes and exceptions and guidelines for handling all material
Privately Owned Animals in Research, Teaching, or Testing– describes the conditions that must be met for privately owned animals (pets) to participate in research
Relief of Pain or Distress in Experimental Animals– Pain or distress experienced by animals used in research or education must be relieved by the use of appropriate sedation, analgesia, or anesthesia as described in this policy
Informational Reference: Contacts, Forms, and Templates
Reporting Animal Welfare Concerns (Whistleblower Policy)
Division of Comparative Medicine (DCM)
Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)
Reporting Unusual or Unexpected Adverse Events
Animal Education in Learn@Work
Purchase Drugs and Supplies from the DCM Stockroom