Working with nonhuman primates in research settings (2008)

Anonymous

Abstract

NHP are intelligent, aggressive animals with the potential to cause serious injury or zoonotic disease. Accordingly, special equipment and techniques for handling these animals have been developed. As a general rule, it is probably best to use chemical restraint rather than physical restraint if possible. .. NHP often can be trained to perform certain procedures such as taking medications, accepting injections, moving into transfer cages, etc. Positive reinforcement is helpful in accomplishing such training. .. Virtually all procedures involving NHP involve restraint of some kind. The potential for these animals to inflict injury or to transmit zoonotic disease dictates against the use of physical restraint if possible. For procedures such as physical examination, tuberculin testing, radiography, etc. chemical restraint is preferred. ..The pole and collar system, mentioned earlier, is a technique whereby NHP are fitted with an aluminum or fiberglass collar which is worn continually. A handler can then use a specially designed, rigid rod to grasp the collar and lead the animal at a safe distance to a restraint chair or another cage. Animals quickly learn this technique and handling can be accomplished with little or no distress to the animal and significant safety for the handler. .. NHP can be restrained by means of a squeeze back cage, or injected while moving free in the pen by means of a dart.