Facial thermography is not useful in assessing body temperature in common squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus) in comparison to rectal temperatures

Abstract

A group of 39 captive common squirrel monkeys ( Saimiri sciureus ) had their body temperature measurements compared by rectal thermometry and facial infrared thermal imaging (Flir i3, Flir Systems Inc). Squirrel monkeys were caught up and manually restrained for examination and temperature determination as part of routine health checks. The mean difference between rectal temperature and maximum facial thermography temperatures was 3.4⁰C (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.1-3.7⁰C). The repeatability coefficient of maximum facial temperatures was 3.18⁰C at a 95% CI. The Pearson correlation coefficient for maximum facial thermography temperatures compared to rectal temperatures was -0.10 (95% CI -0.27-0.07). This study found no meaningful correlation between facial thermography and rectal temperatures in common squirrel monkeys. Facial thermography had poor accuracy and poor precision compared to rectal temperature measurement. Facial thermography does not appear to be a useful means of detecting altered body temperature in captive common squirrel monkeys.