Simian T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (STLV-1), a type C retrovirus associated with leukemia/lymphoma in Old World monkeys, is closely related to human T-cell leukemia virus type 1, the etiologic agent of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma in humans. In a colony of 3200 baboons, the prevalence of antibodies to STLV-1 is more than 40%. Seropositivity is more frequent in female baboons than in males and increases with age. Of 27 STLV-1 antibody-positive baboons with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, 20 were females and 7 were males, ranging in age from 3 to 21 years (mean, 13 years). Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma was not found in STLV-1 antibody-negative baboons. Clinical signs and laboratory findings were variable but generally included lethargy, low body weights, anemia, dyspnea, lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, pneumonia, nodular skin lesions, and leukemia with or without multilobulated lymphocytes in peripheral blood. Radiography revealed pulmonary infiltrates consistent with pneumonia in 17 of the baboons. Serum chemical values were normal except for hypercalcemia in one baboon. Lymphocytosis was found in 18 of the baboons, with leukemia diagnosed in 11. At necropsy, variable enlargement of lymph nodes and other lymphopoietic tissue was usually found. Pale tan to white space-occupying foci typical of proliferative lymphoid tissue were often found in various organs, including lungs, spleens, livers, skin, and hearts. The lungs in 14 baboons had thickened pleuras, congestion,edema, and large tan to brown areas of consolidation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)