Demography and pedigree structure of an SPF colony of rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta).

The SPF rhesus colony at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Bastrop, Texas, was analyzed with the aim of determining the demographic and genetic effects of stringent selection for virus-free breeders, permanent quarantine, continued surveillance, and culling of animals that show evidence of viral infection. The analysis shows minimal effects on population viability and loss of genetic variability in comparison with the traditionally managed (non-SPF) portion of the population. Am. J. Primatol. 53:155-165, 2001. (C) 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.