citation_inspection: 1661

***The facility staff did not convey the health status of a nonhuman primate to the clinical veterinarian in a timely manner. A nonhuman primate, ID #RA1950, experienced adverse complications which required consultation with the clinical veterinarian. From 04/19/16 through 04/21/16, facility records indicate that the animal was not eating its biscuits and the animal would intermittently consume its food enrichment (4/19 & 4/21 the animal did not eat biscuits or enrichment). On 04/22/16, the animal was found dead in its enclosure. Verbal conversations with the Study Director and attending veterinarian, confirmed these observations would be considered a loss of appetite. According to the IACUC approved protocol and amendments, when an adverse complication of “loss of appetite” occurs, the study director and clinical veterinarian must be contacted. Additionally, during the review and approval process for this protocol, the attending veterinarian stated “If the animals are not coping well with the initial insult, please contact the veterinary staff.” Verbal conversations with the Study Director and attending veterinarian and the medical record for this animal confirm that the clinical veterinarian was not consulted regarding the loss of appetite (last notation was on 4/18/16). The facility could not supply any additional documents regarding this incident. Daily observation of all animals is critical to ensuring that conditions that can adversely affect health and well-being are recognized in a timely manner. Additionally, when observed, problems relating to animal health or behavior must be conveyed to the attending veterinarian so that appropriate methods can be employed to ensure adequate care. Failure to properly communicate health problems to the appropriate personnel, can result in prolonged pain and suffering and increase the risk of development of serious medical conditions. The facility must ensure that timely and accurate information on problems of animal health, behavior, and well-being, is communicated to the attending veterinarian so that appropriate veterinary care can be provided and pain and distress is minimized. The inspection was conducted from 10/12-10/13/16. A thorough exit interview regarding the non-compliance was conducted with facility representatives on 10/13/16. Additional Inspectors Engel D.V.M Dominique, Hpa Gov User Tims Tanya, Assistant Director