All animals should be observed a minimum of once daily and notations made of any irregularities, medication needed and administered, etc. Regular bacteriological and parasitological examinations should also be carried out and adequate treatment provided where necessary. Visitor access to the primate colony should be strictly restricted and carefully monitored because of the susceptibility of many primates to human infectious diseases and because of the everpresent hazard from zoonoses. Tuberculosis Evaluations should include regular tuberculin testing, which should be done at least three times a year. It is essential that a thorough health examination by a veterinarian experienced in non-human primate diseases be performed, along with proper tuberculin testing, as advanced cases of tuberculosis may not react to the tuberculin test.
Tuberculosis is a common problem in non-human primates.
Old World monkeys are more susceptible than those species from the New World. TB testing is mandatory upon arrival at the facility whether or not it as been done previously by the supplier. A new shipment of primates should be negative to at least three tests which have been given at no less than two week intervals, preferably at 30 to 60 day intervals, using alternate eyelids for each test. The dosage and type of tuberculin is important, and expert advice should be sought before doing the test. Sterile water is injected into the other eyelid as a control.