Record numbers of non-human primates are being used in US labs, so it is unlikely that limiting imports will hold back vital areas of research as you imply (Nature 483, 381–382; 2012).

A report from the American Anti-Vivisection Society (AAVS; see go.nature.com/gbqlel) indicates that imports of monkeys born to wild-caught parents quadrupled during 1998–2008. Conservationists are concerned about global trade in crab-eating macaques (Macaca fascicularis), the import of which has doubled in recent years.

Scientists must urgently address the extreme animal-welfare issues surrounding these imports. The AAVS report, which is based on information from US federal agencies and scientific studies, has revealed that monkeys destined for US labs typically endure long, gruelling air and land transportation; entire groups have been killed after quarantine on testing positive for tuberculosis; many die from transport injuries or stress in quarantine; and survivors show negative physiological and behavioural effects for several months after the journey.

More airlines are likely to back away from a dirty job that they are ill-equipped to do properly.