Implications for Primate Population Management and the Occupational Safety of Primate Handlers: A Natural, Zoos and Captive Environment Comparative Study in China
Implications for Primate Population Management and the Occupational Safety of Primate Handlers: A Natural, Zoos and Captive Environment Comparative Study in China
Yong Zhu1,2, Xingxing Yang1, Ruisong Tao1 and Qixin Zhang1,2*
ABSTRACT
Nonhuman primates can be naturally infected with a plethora of viruses with zoonotic potential viruses. Relative to the other animals, the close phylogenetic relationship between human and nonhuman primates results in a high potential for pathogen exchange. Therefore, understanding pathogen emergence status in primates and interactive patterns between humans and primates will facilitate improving primate population management and disease prevention. In this study, we collected macaque aggressive behavior to humans in three representative human-macaque interaction environments: natural macaque ecotourism site (Tibetan macaque), zoological park (Japanese macaque), and captive breeding environment (Rhesus macaque) in Anhui, China. Results showed that, the ratio of macaque aggressive behavior was more frequently at the natural macaque ecotourism site. Macaque blood samples for antibodies of herpes B virus (HBV), hepatitis A virus, simian foamy virus, simian pox virus (SPV), simian retrovirus (SRV) and simian T-cell lymphotropic virus-1 (STLV-1) were collected. The Tibetan, Rhesus, and Japanese macaques tested positive for antibodies to six, five (except for STLV-1), and three (SPV, SRV and HBV) types of viruses, respectively. Conclusively, people directly involved in caretaking and managing macaque populations, particularly at the macaque ecotourism site, are at risk for exposure to pathogens. The health implications for occupational safety of primate handlers as well as managed primate populations were discussed, and suggestions for working safely with nonhuman primates were provided.
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