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.
A positive reaction is characterized by edema, erythema and occasional necrosis. Upon confirmation of the reaction, the animal should be destroyed and the diagnosis confirmed through necropsy. Even mild human respiratory illness, such as colds or flu, can be deadly to non-human primates and may rapidly decimate a colony. It is of paramount importance that the seriousness of the above risk be made absolutely clear to all scientific and technical personnel working in the primate colony. Pneumonia has been encountered frequently in primate colonies.