Health evaluation of translocated free-ranging primates in French Guiana

Among over 40 mammal species threatened by the filling of a hydroelectric d am reservoir in French Guiana, three species of primates have been transloc ated, comprising 124 red howler monkeys, six white-faced sakis, and 95 gold en-handed tamarins. Health status of the animals was evaluated by direct ph ysical examination and by hematological, biochemical, virological, and para sitological surveys of collected blood. The physical condition of the howle rs was slightly worse toward the end of the capture period, but that of sak is and tamarins remained satisfactory. Several ectoparasites (ticks, larvae of dipterous insects, fleas, and lice) were collected, and various wounds, apparently nondebilitating, were recorded in howlers. Hematological and bi ochemical profiles determined for the three species revealed a slight anemi a in howlers. Entamoeba, Strongyloides, and Trypanoxyurus were common in fe cal samples of howlers. A survey of blood smears from the three species rev ealed infection by several types of microfilaria, Trypanosoma rangeli-like and Plasmodium brasilianum in all three, and Trypanosoma cruzi-like in howl ers. These infections had no significant impact on the health status or the hematological profiles. Serologic investigations revealed occasional react ions against Toxoplasma gondii, a strong anti-Plasmodium response in the tw o Cebidae species, and a weaker one in tamarins. Attempts to isolate arbovi rus failed, but antibody responses to Mayaro and yellow fever viruses were strong, especially in the howlers. A strong correlation between age and ser ological status led to a better understanding of the epidemic cycles. Our s urvey indicates French Guianan primates are reservoirs for several anthropo zoonoses, including malaria, Chagas disease, and arboviruses. (C) 2001 Wile y-Liss, Inc.