The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is preparing to permanently close its primate research program, a decision destined to make history in American science. According to internal sources reported by Sciencethe agency was ordered to phase out all studies involving monkeys, ending decades of trials conducted within its facilities. It is the first time that an American federal agency has completely renounced internal research on non-human primates.
What will happen to the 200 macaques at the CDC
The measure concerns approximately 200 rhesus and nemestrine macaques, housed at the CDC headquarters in Atlanta. The animals have been used primarily for studies on HIV, hepatitis and other infectious diseases. The fate of the primates, however, remains uncertain: some could be transferred to specialized sanctuaries, others risk euthanasia, especially if involved in studies with viruses such as SHIV, which would make relocation impossible for safety reasons.
The reason for the decision
The choice is part of a broader context of reduction in animal testing desired by the current US administration. Since Donald Trump returned to the White House, several federal agencies – including NIH, FDA and EPA – have announced their intention to invest in alternative methodologies, such as organoids, biological chips and advanced cell models. The indication to the CDC would have come from the heads of the Department of Health, as part of the “Make America Healthy Again” agenda.
Criticism from the scientific community
However, many biomedical researchers speak of a hasty and dangerous choice. CDC research on primates was crucial in the development of pre-exposure prophylaxis against HIV, a strategy that has helped dramatically reduce infections globally, experts say. Some scientists point out that, for certain pathologies, there are still no reliable alternative models capable of replacing primates.
The enthusiasm of animal rights activists
The reaction of animal rights associations was of an opposite nature, speaking of a historic victory. Groups such as the White Coat Waste Project and PETA see the CDC’s decision as a decisive step towards more ethical research, arguing that decades of experimentation on primates has not led to the desired results, particularly in the field of HIV vaccines.
A future still full of questions
In addition to the scientific impact, the question of responsibility towards animals remains open. Experts call for clear plans and adequate funding to ensure a gradual transition, avoiding waste of research and unnecessary suffering and above all the euthanization of animals. What is certain is that the CDC’s decision could become a model for other agencies, irreversibly changing the relationship between science, politics and animal testing.
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