AR-News: Speakout: CU research primates well cared for

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From: primfocus at waste.org

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/opinion/article/0,1299,DRMN_38_2758813,00.html

Speakout: CU research primates well cared for
By James O. Stevens, Special to the News
March 26, 2004

Along with many other major research institutions, the University of
Colorado Health Sciences Center maintains a primate facility.

As a laboratory animal veterinarian at four major biomedical research and
educational institutions for more than 42 years - 22 years at CU - I am
compelled to correct some of the erroneous information contained in recent
news stories about our primate facility and research.

The importance of primates in the development of new treatments and
prevention of disease is well established. Without primate studies, we would
not have a polio vaccine, cochlear implants or genetic definitions of tumor
viruses, to name just a few important advances.

Our primate colony was established as a breeding colony in the early 1960s.
Here are the facts about our animal research, the facility and primates:

. Recent TV stories have shown videotape of a primate housed in an
individual cage at the Oregon Health Sciences Center. This is not the case
at the CU-Health Sciences Center. All primates are housed in social groups
that consist of an adult male, three to four females, and their offspring.
None are housed in single cages. Occasionally, injured or ill animals and
animals undergoing certain behavioral tests are housed briefly in individual
cages, and then returned to their social groups.

. The staff of the primate colony is committed to providing unique ways to
enrich the environment of their charges. They have received special
commendations for their efforts from inspecting groups such as the
Association for the Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care
International.

. Ours is one of only two colonies of bonnet macaques (Macaca radiata)
living outside of India and, as such, is a valuable resource in its own
right. These animals are uniquely suited to certain research.

. In the research most often referred to, infant primates experienced a
short separation from their mothers. These infants remained in their social
groups and were never housed alone. In all cases, the mother was returned to
the social group.

. The research has provided comparative data in studies of high-risk
infants, childhood and adult trauma, cancer interventions, and protection of
endangered species in habitat countries and zoo settings.

. These animals are normal in all respects and continue to enjoy a high
quality of life in social groups. All animals are considered to be on
experiment since continuous behavior observations are being conducted.

. We are not holding these primates for "ransom" as some have claimed.
Outside individuals had offered to help share the cost of replacement of the
animals if we were to retire them to a sanctuary. The cost of replacement is
high and replacement animals may not even be available. Therefore, we are
unable to commit to releasing the animals since they are the core of the
breeding colony for further biomedical research.

. The animals are currently housed in a 100-year-old building. Funds have
been continually expended in attempts to maintain the facility. However,
many things cannot be changed cost effectively, much like older areas of the
University of Colorado Hospital.

. Last year the United States Department of Agriculture informed us that
certain aspects of the building used to house the primate facility were in
"poor condition." We generally agreed with this analysis because of the age
of the facility. We have corrected those items that may directly affect the
well-being of the animals, and these corrections have been accepted by the
USDA.

CU-Health Sciences Center scientists adhere to all federal and state laws,
regulations and guidelines established by government and professional groups
to protect research animals. We are one of a few institutions holding
ourselves to even higher standards by voluntarily seeking and receiving
accreditation from the previously mentioned AAALAC.

Every research project at the CU-Health Sciences Center involving animals
must be approved by an oversight committee that includes veterinarians
certified in the care of laboratory animals through the American College of
Laboratory Animal Medicine, scientists, non-scientists and members of the
community. This committee ensures the humane treatment of all research
animals.

The CU-Health Sciences Center continuously strives to uphold the highest
standards for practice and care in academics and research, including animal
research. Our scientists are committed to excellence in research endeavors
and to the appropriate, judicious and humane use of animals in the quest for
medical knowledge.




James O. Stevens is the interim university veterinarian and professor of
pathology at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center.


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