MRC Ethics Guide: Best Practice in the Accomodation and Care of Primates Used in Scientific Research (2004)

Medical Research Council

Abstract

Very useful guidelines for the optimum housing and handling of macaques and marmosets. Primates must [sic] be provided with a complex and stimulating environment that promotes good health and psychological well-being and provides full [sic] opportunity for social interactions, exercise and to express a range of behaviours appropriate to the species [p. 6]. ... The volume and height of the cage (or enclosure) are particularly important for macaques and marmosets, which flee upwards when alarmed. Their cages and enclosures should be floor-to-ceiling high whenever possible, allowing the animals to move up to heights where they feel secure. Double-tiered cages should not be used since they restrict the amount of vertical space available to the animals. Special justification should be given for using cages with grid floors (eg, compelling scientific or veterinary reasons) as this restricts the opportunity to provide substrate and forage. In the case of macaques, cages should be linked to a play area or enclosure .. They should have unlimited access to this area unless it is necessary to confine them for scientific, husbandry, veterinary or welfare purposes. Where security permits, the accommodation should have natural light. ... Primates should be socially housed as compatible pairs or groups, depending on their age and sex and the nature of the scientific procedures or study [p. 7]. .. Primates should not be singly housed unless there is exceptional scientific or veterinary justification. ... Cages and enclosures should be furnished to encourage primates to express their full [sic] range of behaviours. Depending on the species, this should normally include provision for resting, running, climbing, leaping and foraging. ..Shelves, ladders and branches should be made from wood wherever possible even though they will have to be replaced more often. ... The cage and enclosure should provide the animals with an area of privacy. .. To help prevent boredom, novelty should be regularly introduced into the environment, for example, by re-arranging some of the cage furniture [p. 8]. ... The MRC will require justification for the use of scientific procedures that restrict the opportunity to forage [p. 9]. ... Positive reinforcement techniques should be used to train primates to cooperate with catching, handling, restraint and research procedures. The routine use of squeeze-back cages and nets should be actively discouraged. [p. 10].