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Primates on display: Potential disease consequences beyond bushmeat.

Michael P Muehlenbein1

  • 1Department of Anthropology, University of Texas at San Antonio.

American Journal of Physical Anthropology
|January 21, 2017
PubMed
Summary

Human interactions with primates, including pet ownership and tourism, risk disease transmission. Despite awareness, many people still touch or feed primates, driven by a desire to bond, highlighting the need for better public education on zoonotic risks.

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Area of Science:

  • Primate conservation
  • Zoonotic disease transmission
  • Human-wildlife interactions

Background:

  • Human interactions with nonhuman primates are diverse, ranging from cultural practices to pet ownership and tourism.
  • These interactions create opportunities for the exchange of pathogenic organisms, including zoonoses and anthroponoses.
  • Understanding motivations behind primate contact is crucial, as risks extend beyond bushmeat consumption.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review theoretical potential for pathogen transmission during human-primate interactions.
  • To investigate public attitudes and behaviors regarding contact with primates in tourism settings.
  • To identify factors influencing risky behaviors despite awareness of disease transmission.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review on human-primate interactions and pathogen exchange.
Keywords:
Monkeyland Primate SanctuarySaint KittsSepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation CentreTakasakiyama Monkey Parkanthroponosesbiophiliabushmeatcompanion animalsecotourismemerging infectious diseasesenvironmental attitudeshapticspetsprimateszoonoseszoos

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  • Case study analysis of 3,845 survey responses from four international primate tourism locations.
  • Statistical analysis of survey data to correlate awareness with behavioral intentions.

    • Main Results:

    • A majority of respondents understood the risk of disease transmission with wild primates.
    • A significant percentage expressed willingness to touch or feed primates despite disease risk.
    • The desire to bond with animals often overrides basic health precautions.

    Conclusions:

    • Human desire for emotional connection and tactile exploration with primates can lead to risky behaviors.
    • Effective communication and educational campaigns are essential to mitigate emerging infectious disease risks.
    • Public health strategies must address the psychological drivers of human-primate contact.