The circulation of Campylobacter spp. in a breeding colony of clinically healthy neotropical primates squirrel monkeys (Saimiri spp.) used in biomedical investigation was evaluated. Analyses were undertaken during seven non-consecutive years: 1995 to 1999, 2002 and 2003. Results revealed a higher rate of positivity in 1996, in contrast to the absence of the agent in 2003. The data suggest that the changes made in the animal management during this study were effective for the Campylobacter spp. elimination of the squirrel monkeys breeding colony, leading to a better quality of life and, hence, resulting in a better animal for research.
neotropical primates; campylobacteriosis; animal handling
