The UC Davis primate center has been cited by federal authorities in the deaths of monkeys three years ago.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture issued the citation against the California National Primate Research Center for not doing more to prevent illness or injury to rhesus macaque monkeys.
The citation stems from the deaths of 19 animals in the center's outdoor breeding colony in 2009 and 2010. The monkeys died from infections, injuries and inadequate maternal care - common causes of deaths in outdoor colonies, according to a university press release.
Although the primate center was cited, the citation carried no fines or enforcement action.
The USDA noted that the center has an ongoing commitment to quality improvement, according to the press release. In recent years, improvements have included a second daily health inspection and a mortality review committee.
"We are committed to doing everything we can to improve," said Dallas Hyde, the center's director.
The Davis research facility is one of eight primate centers supported by the National Institutes of Health. Research areas at the center include HIV and AIDS, asthma, Alzheimer's disease and autism.
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