Nonhuman primates (NHP) are among the most challenging exotic animals encountered in practice. They are intelligent, quick, and capable of inflicting injury. In spite of these challenges, NHP are common in living collections and many people also own them as pets. A veterinarian who is willing to learn about and care for NHP will be in high demand by the regional primate-owning community. This presentation reviews the NHP most often encountered in exotic animal practice and summarizes their husbandry, preventive care, and common diseases.
Learning Objectives:
To become familiar with the nonhuman primate species commonly seen in practice
To learn about the natural history and wild diet of primates encountered in practice
To learn about the unique anatomy and physiology of nonhuman primates
To learn the proper husbandry and captive diet of nonhuman primates
To learn proper methods of examination and restraint for primates seen in practice
To become familiar with the common diseases of primates often seen in practice
To learn about possible zoonoses encountered with nonhuman primates