Interaction can be supplemented with toys, but if a callitrichid is kept singly as a pet, it will rely on the human family to become its family group. Health Concerns Pet callitrichids should have annual physical exams and stool cultures. Feces should be examined for protozoa, such as Giardia. Blood work may be indicated. Humans with viral infections should not be allowed near marmosets and tamarins, as a cold could be deadly to a callitrichid.
Childhood diseases like measles, chicken pox and mumps can also be fatal to small monkeys.
If a monkey will be around children, it should be vaccinated for measles and tetanus. Cold sores, caused by the Herpes virus, are extremely dangerous to marmosets and tamarins, and may cause a fatal encephalitis. Humans with HIV or other immune system suppressing diseases should not own primates. Although tuberculosis is rare in New World primates, callitrichids can be tested for TB using the intradermal skin test. Fortunately, most dangerous viral zoonotic diseases are found in Old World species, such as the macaques, green monkeys and rhesus monkeys.