Use of non-human primates for scientific purposes

NHMRC-funded research involving non-human primates

We recognise that there are differing views in the community about the use of nonhuman primates for research. We are committed to ensuring that any use of non-human primates in research we fund is absolutely necessary and that there is no valid alternative, and that their use is justified, ethical and humane.

We do not fund research involving non-human primates unless the work is scientifically valid and of high quality and significance as determined by NHMRC’s rigorous peer review, and the work has been reviewed and approved by an institutional animal ethics committee (AEC) before it begins. We require the work to comply with relevant legislation, the Code and the  Principles and guidelines for the care and use of non-human primates for scientific purposes. (see also What NHMRC requires).

Regulation and oversight

The framework for the regulation and oversight of the care and use of non-human primates includes:

• state and territory legislation governing the care and use of animals for scientific purposes
• Commonwealth legislation governing biosecurity and compliance with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)
• Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes (the Code), which is enacted under all state and territory legislation
• institutional responsibilities for ensuring that the care and use of animals is conducted in compliance with relevant legislation and the Code
• responsibilities of animal ethics committees (AECs) for approval and monitoring of the work
• independent external review of the operation of institutions under relevant state and territory legislative requirements related to external review and inspections, and Section 6 of the Code.

We produce the Principles and guidelines for the care and use of non-human primates for scientific purposes, which provides best practice guidance for this specialised area. 

Those proposing to use non-human primates must first ensure that there is no other way of obtaining the necessary information. If it is absolutely necessary to use non-human primates for scientific purposes:

• Their use must be ethical and humane.
• The work must comply with relevant Commonwealth and state and territory legislation and the Code.
• The work must be approved by an AEC before it begins.
• The AEC must be satisfied that the proposed use is justified, there is no alternative to their use, the minimum numbers are used, and methods used minimise any adverse effects on the non-human primates and enhance their wellbeing.

Non-human primate colonies

NHMRC has previously provided grants to 2 non-human primate colonies – a baboon colony in NSW and a marmoset and macaque colony in Victoria; this funding concluded in 2018. The funding was to assist the institutions responsible for the colonies to provide a consistently high standard of care of the non-human primates.

NHMRC does not have oversight of any animal facility in Australia. These facilities are overseen by the responsible institution, the AEC and the state or territory government.

Importation of non-human primates

The Commonwealth Government is responsible for regulating the importation of non-human primates with respect to:

• biosecurity – under the Biosecurity Act 2015
• compliance with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) – under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

Under state and territory legislation, an AEC must approve the source of any non-human primates used for scientific purposes and must be satisfied that any importation of the animals is necessary.

NHMRC's Principles and guidelines for the care and use of non-human primates for scientific purposes requires non-human primates to be obtained from colonies in Australia or, if importation is essential, from captive-bred populations.

Non-human primate retirement sanctuary

The establishment of a non-human primate retirement sanctuary would align with requirements in the Code. However, NHMRC is not responsible for such facilities.

All decisions about animals at the conclusion of their use in research must be approved by the responsible AEC.

The Code states that opportunities to rehome animals should be considered wherever possible, especially when the impact of the project or activity on the wellbeing of the animal has been minimal and their physiological condition and behavioural attributes indicate that they can be introduced to a new environment with minimal, transient impact on their wellbeing.

Enquiries

For further information, contact animal-ethics@nhmrc.gov.au