A spontaneous outbreak of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) toxicity in rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta): clinical observations.

A spontaneous, progressive disease occurred in a large domestic breeding colony of rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta). The disease was characterized by slow but continuous weight loss, alopecia, acne, facial edema, diarrhea and trauma from other monkeys. Breeding efficiency was impaired with a high incidence of abortions and stillbirths. Live offspring were small and unthrifty contributing to a high infant mortality rate. The cause of this disease was polychlorinated biphenyls (PCSs) which were present in the concrete sealant on the cage floors. Removing the sealant and resurfacing the floors alleviated the problem.