Updated Practice for Detection of Viral Infections in Breeding Macaques

Macaques, particularly rhesus (Macaca mulatta) and cynomolgus (Macaca fascicularis) monkeys, are widely utilised in biomedical and toxicological research. Currently, effective vaccines for many viruses affecting macaques are limited, and vaccination is generally not recommended for macaques involved in scientific experiments to avoid potentially confounding experimental outcomes. Consequently, controlling viral infections in macaque colonies relies on rigorous routine testing and strict implementation of isolation protocols, which requires appropriate methods for accurately detecting viral infections within macaque colonies. This review discusses ten critical viruses impacting macaque colonies, outlining their biological characteristics and the diagnostic techniques employed for their detection. It also explores recent advancements in virus detection technologies. Based on five years of detection data from samples collected by VRL-Asia, a third-party diagnostic company, from macaque breeding facilities across China, this review provides insights into the prevalence of various viral infections among breeding macaques in the region. The information presented is invaluable for researchers, veterinarians, and laboratory personnel, supporting enhanced biosecurity measures and ensuring the integrity of scientific research involving macaques.