Eradication of simian retrovirus type D from a colony of cynomolgus, rhesus, and stump-tailed macaques by using serial testing and removal.
The markedly compromised health of animals in a macaque colony and the problematic interpretation of data from two drug safety assessment studies prompted a review of the effect of simian retrovirus type D on the drug-development process at a Midwest pharmaceutical company. After reviewing relevant literature and consulting with an expert in simian retroviruses, we initiated a program of eradication. During a 16-month period, all cynomolgus (Macaca fascicularis), rhesus (Macaca mulatta), and stump-tailed (Macaca arctoides) macaques housed in the facility were evaluated as many as eight times for the presence of simian retrovirus type D by using serology, virus isolation, and/or polymerase chain reaction tests. All animals with positive test results were removed from the colony immediately. No test results indicative of simian retrovirus type D infection have occurred during the subsequent 2.5 years. We attribute the successful eradication and prevention of re-introduction of the virus to regular testing, purchasing animals from sources free of simian retrovirus type D, and assiduous application of procedures designed to prevent transmission between animals.
Schroder
M A
MA
Pharmacia & Upjohn, 301 Henrietta St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007, USA.
Fisk
S K
SK
Lerche
N W
NW
D000822:Animal Husbandry; D000818:Animals; D000830:Animals, Laboratory; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D018562:Disease Transmission, Infectious / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary; D005260:Female; D017053:Infection Control; D008252:Macaca fascicularis / Q000821:virology*; D008253:Macaca mulatta / Q000821:virology*; D008297:Male; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D015301:Retroviruses, Simian / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification* / Q000472:pathogenicity; D012698:Serologic Tests; D016097:Simian Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission
D004279:DNA, Viral