IMPROVING THE MONKEY RESEARCH FACILITIES

University Of Puerto Rico Med Sciences, San Juan PR

Investigators

Abstract

[unreadable] DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): [unreadable] The specific aim of this application is to help the UPR for repair, renovation, and modernization of its unique animal research resource (ARC) at the CS facility of the CPRC. The CPRC is an unrivaled national and international research resource for comparative studies in the biomedical and behavioral sciences that has received NCRR funding through a P40 award or the equivalent for the past three decades. The proposed renovations will improve the care of research animals and will provide much needed infrastructure support for the ongoing and planned biomedical and behavioral research program at CS. The free-ranging population of rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) on the island of CS provides scientists with an unparalleled opportunity for performing biomedical and behavioral research projects utilizing primates residing in a semi-natural habitat. This population has the most extensive computerized demographic and genetics database available to researchers anywhere in the world. The population management program for CS has been designed to optimize the health and well-being of the monkeys, to enhance the value of the colony for research. In addition, the goal is to provide healthy animals to the scientific community for biomedical research, including AIDS and SlV pathogenesis and vaccine development as well as the support of National defense programs. Many of the existing structures on CS island were constructed in the 1930s and 1940s and are in dire need of renovation. This application seeks funds to renovate the dock to the island and funds to repair the roads, drinking water purification system and the three feeding and trapping corrals on CS. Renovations and modernization of these facilities are essential in order to prevent the continued deterioration of the infrastructure on CS, to maintain and enhance animal health and well being, to retain AAALAC accreditation, to comply with federal regulations and guidelines, and to continue to promote the research program and resources of the UPR. [unreadable] [unreadable]