Asian performing monkeys virus carriers

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Asian performing monkeys virus carriers

 

ST. LOUIS, Dec. 8 (UPI) -- A University of Washington study shows some urban

performing monkeys in Indonesia are carriers of retroviruses capable of

infecting people.

 

Researchers say their study indicates contact with performing monkeys, which

are commonplace in many Asia nations, might represent a little-known path

for viruses to jump from monkeys to humans and eventually cause human

disease.

 

Performing monkeys are animals that are trained to do tricks in public

settings.

 

" People aren't looking at Asia, and they need to do so, because viruses are

emerging on that continent, " explained Dr. Lisa Jones-Engel, leader of the

study and a research scientist at the university's National Primate Research

Center.

 

The study's authors are urging more research on the different settings in

Asia where people have contact with non-human primates -- zoos, animal

markets, monkey forests, pet ownership, and urban street performances.

 

The research also involved scientists at Bogor Agricultural University in

Bogor, Indonesia, and the Southwest National Primate Research Center in San

Antonio, Texas.

 

The findings appear in the December issue of the journal Tropical Medicine

and International Health.