Old World primates are highly susceptible to which zoonotic disease?

• A. Pinworms
• B. Tuberculosis
• C. Tyzzer's disease
• D. Coccidiosis

Answer: (B)

Old World primates have a significant risk from tuberculosis, a contagious zoonotic disease caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. In care and research settings, TB can spread between humans and nonhuman primates through airborne droplets and contaminated objects, so protecting both animal and human health relies on regular screening, quarantine of new arrivals, and strict biosafety practices. Signs in primates can be nonspecific—weight loss, lethargy, coughing—so proactive testing is essential to prevent outbreaks. While other infections listed can affect primates, they do not represent the same level of cross-species transmission risk as tuberculosis in this group.