veterinary microbiology

Veterinary Microbiology 53 (1996) 375-376 ELSEVIER

Book review

Nonhuman Primates in Biomedical Research, Biology and Management, edited by B. Taylor Bennett, Christian R. Abee, Roy Hendrickson. American College of Labora- tory Animal Medicine Series. Academic Press, 1995, ISBN O-12-08661-8, hardcover, 428 pp., US$ 125.00.

This is a comprehensive resource guide for those working with non-human primates, whether in laboratory facilities, zoos, or any captive situation. There are 15 chapters compiled by forty contributors with extensive references. Although all of the contribu- tors are American, and historical, legal and policy information is primarily U.S. oriented, most of the material is applicable internationally. Chapters on taxonomy and

conservation also help put the subject matter into global perspective and reminds researchers of the ecological impact of their work.

The catalyst for the production of this book was the need for a reference source to the otherwise widely spread material available in scientific journals and the professional experience of individuals working in this area. Various factors including pressure from animal welfare groups and developments in animal care legislation have encouraged institutions to communicate and consolidate their ideas and experiences. Combined with depleted wild populations and import restrictions, non-human primates have increased in value and their continued use in research depends on captive breeding. This volume aims to provide a definitive guide to captive management and breeding of non-human primates. Obviously the number of species dealt with prohibits a thorough discussion of all topics. The detailed references given and the fact that human anatomy and physiol- ogy is 1~0 similar means that this book overcomes that problem by acting as an information gateway to the wide range of literature available.

Housing, nutrition, and biosafety requirements are well described and illustrated, as one womd expect given the strict legal requirements in the U.S. The literature review on nutrition is especially comprehensive. Environmental enrichment is discussed in detail, though approached theoretically rather than practically, and would benefit from illustra- tions. Social requirements of captive non-human primates are essential considerations for their heal&h and well-being. In recognition of this, there is a chapter on social behavior, which gives a broad overview of field studies in some species. Unfortunately, the psychology of captive animals and stresses related to social deprivation or space restricticas do not appear to be a consideration. Enrichment of the social environment often seems to be absent from discussions of environmental enrichment, and this volume

376 Book review

is no different in this respect. However, training techniques for primate cooperation in sample collection to reduce stress are mentioned and contrasted with other systems of restraint and collection.

Medical considerations are covered with a brief overview of diseases, prevention,

quarantine, restraint, sample collection, and surgical management. The information given is by no means comprehensive, with little epidemiological information on the various diseases and only selected normal clinical pathology values. There is passing reference to the use of inhalation anaesthesia despite extensive details on other means of chemical restraint.

Details on surgical technique are specific and thorough, though some of the sampling techniques lack discussion of possible complications, particularly considering that these procedures may be carried out by non-veterinary staff. The chapter on morphology could perhaps more usefully dedicated to anatomy relevant to surgical considerations. Again, the similarity of non-human primates to humans means that this is a minor drawback given that literature relevant to human surgery is abundantly available.

Information on breeding is included, with good statistics on reproductive biology parameters on a wide variety of species. Some of the breeding chapter is a partial repeat of the reproductive biology chapter, not surprising given the emphasis on captive

breeding these days. Quarantine for the control of sexually transmitted diseases is discussed but eradication or control of spread gets little attention. Animal record keeping and identification is covered briefly.

On the whole, this is a much needed and informative volume. Its appeal is broader than the title suggests and the text is accessible and clear. The lack of similar titles means that this book should be widely used. Perhaps the only weakness we can see is the lack of background material on ecological and behavioral research in the wild, which is so important when making decisions about the health and well-being of captive animals. What a pity this book was not available 20 years ago, when research using non-human primates was expanding so rapidly. Lets hope that the reams of information in this extremely useful book are now put to good use.

Jane Bennett Jo Hess

35 Powell Rd Blackmans Bay Tasmania 7052

Australia