Primate Medicine
The California National Primate Research Center's (CNPRC's) contributions to biomedical research rely on scientific integrity, a commitment to innovative research, and a fundamental respect for human and animal life. Our animals are crucial to discovering more effective and accessible vaccines, treatments, and cures for a wide array of devastating human and animal diseases. We recognize the ethical questions surrounding animal research, which serves as the cornerstone of why we provide humane and compassionate animal care while conserving our resources for only the most essential research endeavors.
At the CNPRC, Primate Medicine is responsible for all overseeing aspects of animal care (Veterinary Medicine, Primate Services, and Behavioral Management) and is committed to preserving the health and welfare of all animals at the Center. Our dedicated staff members provide veterinary care twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year; ensure our animals are provided nutritionally balanced meals, daily fresh produce, and behavioral enrichment activities; and maintain clean, safe environments.
Proposals for research studies involving monkeys must be reviewed and approved by the UC Davis Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), which ensures that the project meets all federal laws governing animal care and use. Projects are also reviewed internally by the CNPRC Research Advisory Committee.
The CNPRC is a part of the UC Davis Animal Care Program which is accredited by the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International (AAALAC), a private, nonprofit group that promotes the humane treatment of animals in science through voluntary accreditation. UC Davis is one of more than 770 research institutions and other organizations that have earned AAALAC accreditation, demonstrating its commitment to responsible animal care and use.
In addition, the CNPRC has regular, unannounced inspections by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, as required by the Animal Welfare Act passed by Congress in 1966.