Friday, May 9, 2025
5/9/2025
Significant expansion of the SNPRC Specific Pathogen Free Rhesus Macaque Colony for AIDS research - The Southwest National Primate Research Center (SNPRC) SPF rhesus colony, supported by the NIH SPF rhesus breeding program (U42 OD010442), is presently around 900 animals and supports AIDS-related research both at SNPRC and through sales to AIDS investigators at other institutions. The SNPRC is well positioned to maintain and expand SPF rhesus macaque production as a center located in a climate hospitable to largely outdoor housing at an institution with capacity for expansion. The NIH has recently recognized the need for expansion of SPF rhesus production. Specifically, the ORIP Nonhuman Primate Evaluation and Analysis completed in December, 2018, proposes providing “NIH resources to expand existing colonies of rhesus macaques, including SPF and enhanced SPF colonies, by 10-25% in order to meet growing demand” as one of eight key recommendations stemming from the expert panel discussions (https://orip.nih.gov/about- orip/research-highlights/nonhuman-primate-evaluation-and-analysis-part-2-report-expert-panel). This application proposes renovation and new construction in one of two SPF rhesus housing complexes that will significantly expand our capacity to produce SPF rhesus macaques for use in AIDS research and will enhance our ability to manage the population for research use in the most efficient and humane fashion. The proposed renovation will increase our capacity to produce SPF rhesus macaques by 41%; provide appropriately designed space to allow for examination and sampling of animals destined for potential study or sale while not completely removing them from their original social setting; minimize the need to move animals away from the building complex by providing a modern clinic and processing rooms in association with the housing complex; improve the care of animals during the holding and recovery phase of processing by expanding the number of animals processing holding bays. Highlights of the proposed renovation include improving cage wall and ceiling materials both within the sheltered or indoor areas and the outdoor areas in order to make the cages suitable for housing rhesus macaques, providing fully enclosed “conditioned” holding space for exams and sampling, and making sustainable and environmentally-sensitive facility improvements that will last at least the next 20 years. Our proposal will ensure that existing animals are adequately housed and cared for during the renovation.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).