This study was initiated to define the prevalence of specific viral diseases in the Center colonies supplying monkeys for SIV research. We have surveyed the rhesus and pigtailed macaque breeding colonies for the presence of herpes B, SRV, and STLV-I in 1994, 1995, and 1996. Animals were bled at the time of inventory to check for the presence of antibody to these viruses and for culture of SRV. PCR for detection of SRV was also performed. In 1994, a total of 823 animals were tested, 56% were positive for herpes B, and less than 1% were culture, PCR, or antibody positive for SRV. In 1995 our original SPF colony was still negative for herpes B and SRV. The percentage of herpes B positive animals in the remaining colony was 55%, very similar to 1994 results. None of the 792 animals surveyed in 1995 were positive for SRV. In 1996 843 monkeys were included in the survey and results indicated an increase in herpes B positive animals to 70% and no SRV positive monkeys. Serological screening of our breeding colony by whole virus ELISA demonstrated an aproximate incidence of 15-20% presenting STLV-1 antibody at a level 4-5 fold or higher than that of background. At this time we have removed 15 SRV/STLV-I positive monkeys from the breeding colony. Results are encouraging for the elimination of SRV and STLV-I from our Center breeding colonies and future survey results will be used to monitor this condition.
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