A measles epizootic with 5 deaths in newly-imported rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta)

Abstract

Of 21 newly-imported rhesus monkeys, 11 showed a typical macular rash and 13 developed a 4-fold or greater rise in antibody titre to measles. 5 animals died, 4 of them with extensive pneumonia, pleurisy and pericarditis. Although measles was involved in each case, there were contributory causes of death, namely Diplococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus infection, and infestation with Oesophagostomum (nodular worm) larvae.