Comparison of rectal and infrared thermometry for obtaining body temperature in cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis)

Background It would be clinically advantageous to develop a method of body temperature evaluation in cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis) that did not require sedation, restraint, surgical manipulation, or expensive equipment. Methods Body temperatures of 51 cynomolgus macaques were taken with rectal thermometry and non-contact infrared thermometry (NIFT) on the shoulder, face, abdomen, and axillary region. Results and conclusions Body temperature measurements from NIFT were statistically different (P