Meeting requirements for primate animals in drug development

An overview on the numbers and species of monkeys used in the area of drug development in the USA and Europe during the years 1975 to 1981 is presented. A marked decline of 25% to 40% in the numbers used is due to a more critical use of the various species, besides a shortage of available animals. However, because for certain experiments some primate species are the animals of choice, there is a limit to further reductions. For future supplies, intensive breeding units, semifree-range colonies, and game farming may be considered. Using the revenue of exported animals, a financial contribution to the conservation of feral animals in the countries of origin could be made.