C. The Primate Shortage Has Not Been Met by Private Enterprise. 
In the past, commercial organizations have dealt almost exclusively with 
the importation of primates and very limitedly with their production 
through breeding. Because of the diminishing number of animals available 
for importation, the primate import business may not be commercially 
viable within a few years. Only now are some breeding programs being 
established in the private sector through contractual arrangements with 
the United States Government to meet the specific needs of various 
Federal agencies. Among these contractors, two have also entered the 
primate import business by purchasing two of the major importers of Old 
World primates, an indication that organizations seeking a balance to 
maintain viability must look at both importation and domestic breeding 
as sources of supply. 
The involvement of private enterprise in general primate production as 
an independent commercial venture is unlikely at this time because of 
many unfavorable circumstances. Current experience with rhesus monkeys 
indicates that at least 10 years of operation would be required before 
sufficient income is earned to offset the costs of starting a breeding 
program. Initial investments, exclusive of land, range from $1,150 to 
$2,400 per breeding animal depending upon the type of facility. Three 
to 5 years are required before any return can be expected from the sale 
of animals. Even in the face of continual reductions and undependable 
supplies of imported animals and a relatively stable demand, this type 
of commercial venture would be high risk with a small return on investment. 
Assuming that sufficient capital were available for such operations, few 
organizations have personnel with the necessary expertise in primate 
production to operate such facilities. There is no evidence that the 
private sector will enter this market under the current circumstances. 
D. Federal Action Is Required to Deal With the Problem. 
Nonhuman primates have been shown to be essential to the health status 
of the people of the United States. Continuation of many ongoing and 
new activities contributing to the improvement of man's health is threatened 
by inadequate and erratic supplies of these resources. In the absence 
of the private sector's involvement, immediate Federal action is required. 
Federal action designed 
* to ensure the most effective use of our current supplies 
of primates; 
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