Camacho, J. N., Moeller, E., Morris, J. 2009. A psychologic wellbeing response plan for nonhuman primates. American Association for Laboratory Animal Science [AALAS] Meeting Official Program, 558 (Abstract #PS84).

Under animal care situations that conform to compliance standards for environmental enrichment established by the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) and the Guide to the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, at least 10% of laboratory macaques exhibit abnormal behavior, with 1 study reporting 1 or more abnormal behavior in 321 of 362 monkeys (89%). The AWA also requires that nonhuman primates (NHPs) exhibiting signs of psychologic distress be “provided special attention regarding enhancement of their environment.” We devised a behavioral response plan for NHPs that present commonly recognized abnormal behaviors compatible with psychologic distress (that is, self-directed behaviors in which the animal directs aggressive or unexplained attention towards its body, self-abusive behaviors that result in trauma, repetitious locomotive behaviors, hair pulling or plucking resulting in alopecia, hyperactivity, and fear and aggression; fear and aggression were considered abnormal behavior because they imply the animal was adversely affected by its environment or personnel, and that intervention was indicated). The plan included specific recommendations regarding intervention, frequency of care, personnel responsible for care, documentation, and follow-up evaluation. Animal care personnel were trained to identify the abnormal behaviour in order to immediately implement a preliminary intervention before a formal assessment could be made by veterinary or behavioral staff. Interventions were standardized and based on processes that had eliminated or reduced the specific behavioral problem in past cases. This plan eliminated abnormal behaviors in 21 of 27 (78%) macaques within 8 wk of treatment initiation, with subsequent elimination in 3 more by 16 wk, leaving only 3 cases (11%) unresolved. Resolution of approximately 90% of cases confirms the benefit of a standardized plan for commonly recognized abnormal behaviors in the majority of laboratory NHPs. Refractory cases confirm the need for continued investigation of abnormal behaviors in captive animals.