An outbreak of shigellosis in laboratory marmosets and tamarins (Family: Callithricidae).

An outbreak of shigellosis due to Shigella sonnei, is reported in laboratory maintained marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) and tamarins (Saguinus nigricollis). The clinical signs and pathological lesions are described and the microbiological findings discussed. Control of the disease was based upon hygiene and antibiotic therapy and the consequences of this approach are described in detail.