The welfare of non-human primates in biomedical research.

The airn of the symposium is to discuss some issues related to non-human primate welfare, primarily in the context of biomedical research. The use of primates for experimental and scientific purposes is a matter of concem to the public and requires full regard for the high degree of neuro-physiological sensitivity of these anirnals. The symposium will give consideration to husbandry practices and methods to improve the well-being of New and Old World primates, taking into account the criteria which should be considered when assessing housing design. The variables that are most influential in affecting animal welfare and that might produce atypical behaviours will be evaluated. The topics of the symposium will include proposals for the refinement of primate models and recommendations for the education and training of personnel involved, at all levels, in the maintenance, care and experimental use of primates. The opportunities to minimise the impact of scientific procedures by training the primates to co-operate with researchers and technicians will be addressed. The symposium will also examine ethical-philosophical issues related to animal experiments. Regard will be given to the proposals for revision of the European guidelines for the housing and care of non-human primates used for experimental purposes within Europe.