NABR Supports CITES Committee's Decision on Long-Tailed Macaque Trade

The National Association for Biomedical Research (NABR) recently expressed its strong support for the CITES Permanent Committee's decision allowing the continued trade of long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis) originating from Cambodia. This resolution has been celebrated as a vital endorsement from the international community for a fair, evidence-based verification process. It grants necessary time to scrutinize facts and counter misinformation propagated by some extremist activist organizations that promote pseudoscience at odds with sound policy grounded in scientific evidence.

Japan had approached the CITES Permanent Committee with a formal request to defer any decisions until the next CITES meeting, receiving backing from nations including the United States, Canada, and Kuwait. At the CITES meeting held in Geneva, Switzerland, no country supported the Secretariat's recommendation to suspend trade based on erroneous claims regarding the export of macaques from Cambodia. Furthermore, a number of countries, including Japan, Canada, and the United States, emphasized the need to examine the information provided by Cambodia before deciding on any actions.

The committee's resolution enables the CITES Secretariat to conduct a thorough assessment and to send an official delegation to Cambodia, ensuring that the entire process remains transparent and evidence-based. This sensible approach allows the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee time to complete its analysis and oversight regarding this issue.

Matthew R. Bailey, President of NABR, remarked, "We agree with the Permanent Committee that a fact-based analysis is crucial when making decisions of such significance." He further highlighted that biomedicine relies heavily on the availability of long-tailed macaques for life-saving research, including efforts aimed at advancing treatments for infectious diseases, cancers, and other critical health challenges. The international community's decision to disregard unfounded calls for a trade suspension represents a significant victory for scientific integrity and public health.

NABR remains committed to advocating for science-based practices, ensuring that international wildlife trade decisions facilitate the ethical conduct of biomedical research and progress in medicine. President Bailey concluded, "We will continue to collaborate with stakeholders worldwide to ensure transparency, scientific integrity, and the responsible use of animal subjects for breakthroughs that can save lives."

Founded in 1979, the National Association for Biomedical Research (NABR) is the sole non-profit organization exempt under section 501(c)(6) of the U.S. tax code, focusing on shaping reasonable public policies for the humane use of animals in research, education, and testing in the biomedical field. The NABR includes over 340 institutions, such as universities, medical and veterinary schools, clinical hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, patient groups, and academic and professional associations dedicated to humane and responsible animal research in advancing public health and veterinary health worldwide. For more information, visit www.nabr.org.