Improved biosecurity for the SPF M. nemestrina breeding colony

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PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT The Washington National Primate Research Center (WaNPRC) is the largest domestic breeding colony for Macaca nemestrina, the pigtailed macaque. We are requesting supplementary funding for U42 OD011123, Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) Macaca nemestrina (pigtailed macaque) Breeding Colony, to install an automatic cage/rack washer at our Arizona Breeding Colony (ABC). The purpose of the parent award is to provide healthy, SPF M. nemestrina for HIV/AIDS-related research, and other biomedical research pending availability. This breeding is performed at the satellite ABC facility in fixed group enclosures. However, it is necessary to maintain some individual portable caging to house ill or injured animals for clinical treatment. This caging is currently washed by hand and disinfected chemically, which is not ideal. Breeding at ABC rather than in Seattle has several advantages; however in Arizona there is a risk of Valley Fever caused by Coccidioides fungal spores which are endemic in that area. We are currently in the process of building an extension on one of the housing buildings at ABC to allow for clean cage storage and prevent exposure to the spores. We are requesting funds to install an automatic cage/rack washer in this building to clean and sanitize portable caging and enrichment items. We will also need to install the utilities needed to run the cage washer, including a 190ºF water heater, electrical service, and HEPA-filtered HVAC. We will install solar panels to support the operational costs of the cage/rack washer, which will sustain support for this equipment in future years. By preventing exposure of animals to potential pathogens, the automatic cage/rack washer will support the physical well-being of animals in the breeding colony. In conjunction with the installation of the solar panels we will take the opportunity to insert skylights in the animal housing section of the building. This natural light will promote the psychological well-being of the animals in the breeding colony. These modifications, while not part of the parent award, will promote the health and well-being of the animals contributing to the overall success of the breeding colony in support of future research.