In a recent government subcommittee meeting, experts raised urgent concerns regarding the trade of wild macaques for biomedical research, highlighting significant public health risks and the implications for scientific integrity. Dr. Thomas Gillespie, a professor at Emory University, emphasized that long-tailed macaques, commonly used in research due to their genetic similarities to humans, pose a high risk for zoonotic diseases. He noted that the COVID-19 pandemic led to a reduction in the availability of captive-bred macaques, resulting in an increase in the importation of wild macaques, which have been linked to outbreaks of diseases such as melioidosis and tuberculosis.

Dr. Gillespie pointed out that the lack of stringent screening protocols during the quarantine period for imported primates raises serious concerns about the potential for disease transmission to humans and domestic animals. He urged Congress to enhance resources for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to combat illegal wildlife trade and called for research facilities to cease the use of wild-caught primates, advocating for alternative research methods.

Dr. Chris Abe, an emeritus professor at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, reinforced the critical role of nonhuman primates in biomedical research, noting that nearly half of the 70,000 primates used annually in the U.S. are long-tailed macaques. He warned that recent restrictions on primate imports, particularly from China, could jeopardize the U.S.'s position as a leader in biomedical research, as costs for these animals have skyrocketed.

The discussions highlighted the delicate balance between advancing medical research and ensuring biosecurity, with experts calling for a reevaluation of sourcing practices for research animals. The subcommittee members expressed concern over the implications of illegal wildlife trade and the need for stricter enforcement of regulations to protect both public health and scientific integrity.