citation_inspection: 4239

Thirty five individual animals were identified by APHIS Officials in need of veterinary care at the time of inspection. The licensee stated that he has been raising these animals for so long that many injuries and illnesses are treated by the facility without calling a veterinarian. He further stated that they are in frequent contact with their Attending Veterinarian and his partner (also another licensed veterinarian), however, they do not currently maintain written records of treatments. At the start of the inspection the wife of the licensee (responsible for much of the daily care for animals) stated that there were no animals currently receiving veterinary treatment. When asked about animals that recently received treatment, she stated only a serval had been recently treated. The wife of the licensee stated that she does keep some short notes in a personal journal, but that this was not available for inspection as it was mixed with other personal information. When asked, the wife of the licensee did re-copy a list of animals reportedly treated by the facility during the period of 20 October 2014 through 6 January 2015. These notes were reviewed in determining compliance with this section. *** Direct: Two Oryx had significant lameness at the time of inspection. This included: - Oryx #1: A juvenile (still nursing) oryx was significantly lame on the right front leg at the time of inspection. This animal was observed alternately toe-touching lame and non-weight bearing lame when moving at a walk on 6 January 2015. On 8 January 2015 this animal was observed consistently non-weight bearing even when running and did not bear any weight on the limb at any point during observations that day. On 6 January, the licensee stated that the facility first observed this lameness approximately 3-4 days prior to the start of the inspection. - Oryx #2: A young adult oryx was significantly lame on the left front leg at the time of inspection. This animal was observed consistently toe-touching lame when moving at a walk (both on 6 & 8 January 2015). The licensee stated that the facility first observed this lameness approximately 6-7 days prior to the start of the inspection. Following identification of these animals to the licensee (on 6 January), the licensee stated that oryx will occasionally be lame as a result of sparring and also frequently become lame during the winter when the ground is frozen. He stated that this typically resolves with time and that it is too stressful to the animal to remove it from the herd for examination since it may not be accepted back into the herd. Although the licensee stated that he had not contacted the Attending Veterinarian (AV) for advice regarding veterinary treatment for either of these oryx, he also stated that he had previously discussed the issue of lameness in oryx generally with the partner of the AV (also another licensed veterinarian). The licensee stated as long as there is not a compound fracture, the animal should not be removed from the herd for further evaluation and treatment regarding lameness since it may just be a sprain or similar minor injury. There was no record of any previous advice from any veterinarian and no written guidance present in the program of veterinary care for lameness in oryx or any other species. No veterinary care was provided to either oryx listed above. Lameness is a significant indicator of pain and failure to provide appropriate methods to properly diagnose and treat the underlying cause in a timely manner may result in unnecessary pain and suffering. Correct by having these animals evaluated by a licensed veterinarian and following all recommendations including those regarding examination, diagnosis, treatment, and future recheck examinations as needed. Additionally, the licensee must maintain record of these recommendations for evaluation by APHIS Officials. If this is a recurrent problem the licensee may seek additional guidance from the Attending Veterinarian for incorporation into the written program of veterinary care regarding recommendations for any future animals that may develop lameness. This was first identified to the licensee on 6 January 2015. *** DIRECT: Several guinea pigs (GP) were exhibiting varying amounts of hair loss at the time of inspection. Tubs 1& 2 were located on the patio outside the keeper area. Tub 3 was located in the storage trailer near the mouse house. - GP#1: A black and white juvenile guinea pig located in tub 1 had an area of hair loss on the right side of its nose stretching 2/3 of the way to its eye. The underlying skin in this area was dry, crusty, and had several dark spots that appeared to be scabs. Additionally, there was a small amount of crusted skin under the right eye. This was first identified to the licensee on 6 January 2014. - GP#2: A black and white adult guinea pig located in tub 1 had several small areas of hair loss on the left side of its nose. The underlying skin was dry, flaky, and had several dark spots that appeared to be scabs. This was first identified to the licensee on 6 January 2014. - GP#3: A tan and white juvenile guinea pig located in tub 2 had several small areas of hair loss on the right side of its face near its eye, on the top of its head, and at the base of the right ear. The underlying skin was dry and in the area on top of the head it was flaky and had dark spots that appeared to be scabs. This was first identified to the licensee on 6 January 2014. - GP#4: A brown juvenile guinea pig located in tub 2 had an area of hair loss on the right side of its nose extending from the nose to the right eye and over the bridge of the nose. The underlying skin in this area was dry, crusty, and had numerous spots of medium and dark red areas that appeared to be scabs. This was first identified to the licensee on 6 January 2014. - GP#5: A brown and white guinea pig located in tub 2 had a small area of hair loss on the bridge of the nose. The underlying skin was dry and without significant crusts or flakes. This was first identified to the licensee on 6 January 2014. - GP#6: A tan guinea pig with a white stripe between its eyes located in tub 1 has an area of hair loss on the bridge of the nose. The underlying skin is dry, flaky, and has one dark spot that appeared to be a scab. This was first identified to the licensee on 7 January 2014. - GP#7: A brown and white guinea pig located in tub 1 has an area of hair loss extending between the left eye and ear. The underlying skin is dry and flaky. This was first identified to the licensee on 7 January 2014. - GP#8: A black and white guinea pig located in tub 3 has an area of hair loss and irregular skin just above its right eye and a second spot just behind the nose on the right side. The skin surrounding the eye appears dry, thickened, and leathery while the area near the nose is dry and flaky. This was first identified to the licensee on 7 January 2014. - GP#9: A brown and white curly coated guinea pig located in tub 3 has a focal area of incomplete hair loss on the bridge of its nose. The underlying skin is dry and flaky. This was first identified to the licensee on 7 January 2014. - GP#10: A brown and white curly coated guinea pig located in tub 3 has areas of hair loss on the top of the head and under the left ear. The underlying skin in both areas is dry and crusty. This was first identified to the licensee on 7 January 2014. All of the guinea pigs listed above appeared bright, alert, and reactive. None were observed actively scratching at the affected areas, however, the dark spots present on several animals appear to be scabs and dried blood and are consistent with scratching as a result of itchiness. These conditions were not reported to the attending veterinarian prior to inspection and none of these animals were receiving any treatment for these conditions. Hair loss can result from numerous causes including several infectious causes such as fungal and bacterial diseases. Given the number of animals with similar lesions, the cause is likely to be infectious. When the attending veterinarian observed these animals, on 8 January 2015, he stated that the lesions were suspicious for ringworm and would make a diagnostic / treatment plan accordingly. Infectious skin disorders may be transmitted to other uninfected animals in the same enclosure or enclosures nearby. Numerous animals which appeared normal were housed with affected animals in each tub listed above. The licensee stated that he had not contacted the attending veterinarian regarding these issues prior to the start of the inspection and there were no methods in place to prevent spread of this condition. There was no previous guidance from the attending veterinarian for skin disorders in guinea pigs and no written guidance in the program of veterinary care. Correct by ensuring that all animals exhibiting these skin abnormalities are examined by a licensed veterinarian so that appropriate diagnostic testing can be completed and a proper diagnosis can be made. Additionally, the licensee must seek guidance from the attending veterinarian regarding appropriate treatment for the affected animals as well as prevention and control of this condition in the guinea pig colony. Records of these recommendations must be maintained for evaluation by APHIS Officials. *** Three camels located in the camel exhibit area in the main zoo location showed signs of abnormal skin conditions. These were identified to the licensee on 6 January 2015. - Camel #1: A female camel had a significant swelling (at least 7 inches by 3 inches) located on the right side at the base of the hump. Additionally, there is a large area of dark discharge (brown, red, and black) extending from the swelling down the right side to the abdomen. This discharge appears dried and caked in the fur. - Camel #2: A female camel had a significant swelling on the left shoulder area (approximately 3 inches and roughly circular). The skin overlying this area is hairless and there is dried red-brown material caked in the fur surrounding the lesion. This camel was later identified by the facility as "(cid:28)Lauren"(cid:29). - Camel #3: A female camel (with an ear tag #5) had a swelling on the right mid-neck. There was a brown-red discharge caked in the surrounding fur. When asked about these lesions, the licensee stated that they are abscesses and that they occur regularly in the camels. He stated that they are treated by the facility staff (typically his wife) whenever they are observed. He further stated that typically they would not call the attending veterinarian for these issues since they are a common occurrence and they have been treating them for years. When asked, the wife of the licensee stated that she had cleaned the abscess on (cid:28)"Lauren"(cid:29) prior to the inspection (on 3 January 2015) by flushing it with diluted iodine and spraying it with wound spray. There is currently no written guidance in the program of veterinary care which would allow treatment by the facility without consultation from the attending veterinarian. Abscesses are often caused by infectious agents and there are 5 additional camels located in this pasture and 1 housed so that it is sharing the same barn (with direct contact). There were no methods currently in use to stop the spread of disease if it is transmissible between animals. Correct by ensuring that all animals exhibiting these skin abnormalities are examined by a licensed veterinarian so that appropriate diagnostic testing can be completed and a proper diagnosis can be made. Additionally, the licensee must seek guidance from the attending veterinarian regarding appropriate treatment for the affected animals as well as prevention and control of this condition in the camels. The licensee must maintain records of the diagnosis and recommendations for evaluation by APHIS Officials. *** The male cougar has an area on the right hind leg where the skin appears reddened and moist. The area is approximately 2 inches wide by 4 inches long and is located on the back of the leg behind the right knee. This was identified to the licensee on 6 January 2015 and at that time the licensee stated that he was unaware of this condition. It was identified to the wife of the licensee on 7 January 2015 and she also stated she was unaware of the condition but would make sure the attending veterinarian was called to examine it. Skin disease can result from numerous infectious and non-infectious causes. Left untreated, it may progress resulting in unnecessary discomfort or suffering. Correct by ensuring that this animal is examined by a licensed veterinarian for recommendations regarding appropriate diagnosis and treatment. The licensee must maintain records of the diagnosis and recommendations for evaluation by APHIS Officials. *** One female giraffe had hooves which were overgrown and a slightly abnormal gait when compared to the other giraffes at the facility. When asked about routine giraffe hoof care the licensee stated that the giraffe will naturally wear their hooves down in the yard since there is gravel present in the giraffe enclosure. This individual giraffe was identified to the licensee on 6 January 2015 at which time the licensee stated that he was not sure of the individual animal(cid:25)'s name although he thought it may be Vivian. When the animal with long hooves was pointed out, the licensee assured inspectors that the hooves would wear to a normal length over time if left on the gravel. The licensee further assured the inspectors that if that did not happen he would be able to transport the giraffe to North Carolina when the weather warms to trim her hooves using a chute at another USDA licensee(cid:25)'s facility. Additionally, he stated that they were in the process of constructing a giraffe chute to facilitate easier handling of the giraffe and make hoof trimming easier in the future. There was no documentation at the facility that the licensee has guidance from the Attending Veterinarian regarding the treatment of overgrown hooves in giraffe. Inspectors did observe a partially constructed chute. Excessively long hooves can progress causing abnormal gaits, lameness, unnecessary stress and discomfort to the animal. Correct by having this animal examined by a licensed veterinarian and following all recommendations regarding appropriate treatment for this condition. If transportation of this animal is necessary for treatment, this guidance should include an appropriate timeline for providing this care. Additionally, the licensee must maintain records of the diagnosis and recommendations for evaluation by APHIS Officials. This was first identified to the licensee on 6 January 2014. *** Numerous Capuchin Monkeys had hair loss to varying degrees and were observed scratching during the inspection. This included: - Capuchin #1: A Brown (Tufted) Capuchin monkey located in the keeper barn had significant hair loss over its entire back extending over its sides and shoulders. Additionally there was a smaller area of hair loss on its tail. The underlying skin appeared dry. This capuchin was housed with two other monkeys (one of which is capuchin #2 listed below). This animal was observed scratching during the inspection. - Capuchin #2: A Brown (Tufted) Capuchin monkey located in the keeper barn had significant hair loss along the length of its tail (worst at the tip) as well as hair thinning over the rump area and back. This animal was periodically observed scratching during the course of the inspection. This capuchin was housed with two other monkeys including capuchin #1 listed above). - Capuchin #3: A White-faced Capuchin monkey located in the indoor/outdoor area near the mouse house building (co-housed with 5 other Capuchin monkeys including Capuchin #4 below) had generalized patchy hair loss (over the back, hind legs, tail, etc.). This animal was observed scratching. - Capuchin #4: A White-faced Capuchin monkey located in the indoor/outdoor area near the mouse house building (co-housed with 5 other Capuchin monkeys including Capuchin #3 above) had incomplete hair loss located along the length of the tail and its left knee. - Capuchin #5: A White-faced Capuchin monkey missing part of the left index finger located in the back room of the mouse-house building had hair loss on both forearms and on the tail. The capuchin was observed vigorously scratching at times during the inspection. This capuchin was co-housed with 2 others (#6 and 7 below) and in a room with two other groups of capuchins (including capuchin #8) and a group of DeBrazza'(cid:25)s Monkeys. - Capuchin #6: A White-faced Capuchin monkey located in the back room of the mouse-house building had patchy hair loss on the tail. This capuchin was co-housed with 2 others (#5 and 7) and in a room with two other groups of capuchins (including capuchin #8) and a group of DeBrazza(cid:25)'s Monkeys. - Capuchin #7: A White-faced Capuchin monkey located in the back room of the mouse-house building had patchy hair loss on the tail. This capuchin was co-housed with 2 others (#5 and 6 above) and in a room with two other groups of capuchins (including capuchin #8) and a group of DeBrazza(cid:25)'s Monkeys. - Capuchin #8: A Brown (Tufted) Capuchin monkey located in the back room of the mouse-house building had extensive hair loss on its tail and several small patches on its back. This animal was observed vigorously scratching at times during the inspection. This capuchin was co-housed with 2 other non-affected animals and in a room with two other groups of capuchins and a group of DeBrazza(cid:25)'s Monkeys. The hair loss in Capuchins #1 & 2 were first identified to the licensee on 6 January 2014. Capuchins #3 - 8 were first identified to the licensee on 7 January 2014. There was no written documentation regarding the treatment of these animals for hair loss and the attending veterinarian stated to APHIS Officials that he would generally refer primates to another local veterinarian for treatment. Hair loss associated with apparent discomfort (evidenced by scratching) can result from a number of causes including several infectious causes. Left untreated these conditions may result in worsening of the condition, development of secondary infections, and unnecessary suffering. When skin disorders are resulting from an infectious cause, they may be transmitted to other uninfected animals in the same enclosure or enclosures nearby. Numerous animals which appeared normal were housed with affected animals in nearby enclosures. Correct by ensuring that all animals exhibiting these skin abnormalities are examined by a licensed veterinarian so that appropriate diagnostic testing can be completed and a proper diagnosis can be made. The licensee must follow all recommendations by the veterinarian including those regarding diagnosis, treatment, prevention, control of this condition, and recheck examinations. Records of these findings, treatment, and future recommendations must be kept for evaluation by APHIS Officials. *** A small Mandrill housed with the adult male Mandrill had hair loss over top aspect of both forearms. On the right arm the hair loss extends from the elbow to hand and on the left arm it extends over a smaller portion of the arm. The underlying skin appears dry. This was first identified to the licensee on 6 January 2015 at which time he stated that this is probably due to stress because the female Mandrill in the adjacent enclosure (with limited tactile contact) picks on and intimidates this animal. He stated that the female is a full-sister to this affected animal and that negative interaction is the reason they are separated. He stated that this issue has not been evaluated by a veterinarian and there was no record that the facility had contacted the attending veterinarian for any evaluation. There was no direction in the written program of veterinary care or the Non-human Primate Enrichment plan to address hair loss or hair plucking in primates. While hair loss in this area of primates often has an underlying behavioral cause, guidance from the attending veterinarian must be sought to ensure appropriate diagnosis and treatment and to prevent worsening of the condition. Correct by contacting the attending veterinarian and following all recommendations including his direction regarding the diagnosis, care, and treatment. Additionally, the enrichment plan should be amended to address non-medical causes of hair plucking in primates if the veterinarian believes this to be an issue at the facility. ***A black and white pygmy goat located in the main zoo area has a creamy white vulvar discharge, crusted discharge dried on the vulva, hair loss on flanks, and significant crusts around its nose. The end of the tail also has a moderate amount of dried dark debris caked in the hair which appears to be contamination from the discharge mixed with dirt. The goat was bright, alert, and active and ate a small amount of grain during the inspection. The abnormalities were initially observed by APHIS Officials on 6 January 2015 and continued to be present on multiple days during the inspection process. When asked about this goat, the wife of the licensee stated that this was an older goat and that she looks ok. There was no record to indicate that the facility had contacted the attending veterinarian about this animal and she was not on any treatment at the start of the inspection. This was first identified to the wife of the licensee on 6 January 2015. Correct by having this animal examined by a licensed veterinarian and following all recommendations regarding appropriate diagnosis and treatment for this condition. Additionally, the licensee must maintain records of the diagnosis and recommendations for evaluation by APHIS Officials. *** All of the muntjac in the enclosure between the macaques and African crested porcupine (total of 6) had fur over their rump area that was ruffled and standing on end. Two of these animals (one male and one female) had a large amount of dark brown material under their tails consistent with caked on diarrhea. Diarrhea can be an indicator of ill-health and can have many causes both infectious (parasites, bacterial disease, etc.) or non-infectious (problems with diet, individual metabolic disease, etc). Ruffled hair in the area of the rump can be an indicator of several problems such as skin disease or more generalized systemic problems. Failure to properly diagnose and treat this condition may result in the worsening of the condition and possibly spread of disease between animals (if the underlying cause is infectious). There was no documentation that the facility has contacted the Attending veterinarian regarding these animals. Correct by having these animals examined by the Attending Veterinarian and following all recommendations regarding diagnosis, treatment, control, and prevention of this condition. Additionally the licensee must maintain record of these recommendations for evaluation by APHIS Officials. This was first identified to the licensee on 6 January 2015. *** A tan and white llama located in the llama paddock in the main zoo has a mass under the jaw on the left side that has crusty debris overlying this mass. This animal appeared bright and alert. There was no documentation that the facility contacted a veterinarian regarding this animal. Masses in this area can result from numerous conditions both infectious and non-infectious (such as tooth root abscess, neoplasia, etc). Failure to properly diagnose and treat this condition can result in disease progression and lead to unnecessary suffering. Correct by having this animal examined by the Attending Veterinarian and following all recommendations. Additionally the licensee must maintain record of these findings and recommendations for evaluation by APHIS Officials. This was first identified to the licensee on 6 January 2015. *** A miniature Zebu steer located in the petting area of the main zoo had long misshapen claws on both hind legs with the right more affected than the left. The outer claw of the right rear foot appears to be partially twisted under the foot so that the steer is partially weight bearing on the outer wall. The Zebu did not appear to be lame at a walk. The wife of the licensee stated that this was an older steer and that he has always had bad feet as did his father. She also stated that the facility uses a good farrier to trim hooves, that he had trimmed the feet for this Zebu in December, and that these are about as good as they normally look. There was no written documentation of any prior hoof trims. Left untreated, long or misshapen hooves can progress and cause lameness, abnormal stress on the joints, and discomfort to the animal. While there was no record of recent farrier care, if this animal(cid:25)'s feet were trimmed in December, there is an increased reason to contact the Attending Veterinarian (AV) for recommendations about whether additional treatment is necessary. Correct by contacting the AV and following all recommendations regarding treatment and future monitoring of this animal. Additionally the licensee must maintain records of these recommendations for evaluation by APHIS Officials. This was first identified to the wife of the licensee on 6 January 2015. Each dealer and exhibitor shall establish and maintain programs of adequate veterinary care to include the use of appropriate methods to prevent, control, diagnose, and treat diseases and injuries. Adequate records of veterinary care (including all treatments provided by the facility and communication of issues of health to the attending veterinarian) are an integral part of an adequate program of veterinary care since they are necessary to ensure communication between facility staff as well as between the facility and the attending veterinarian when animals are exhibiting signs of medical problems or have a history of previous problems. Failure of the facility to establish and maintain an adequate program of veterinary care (including record keeping) can result in delayed veterinary treatment and prevent the attending veterinarian from making accurate diagnoses. Correct by ensuring that all animals showing signs of injury, disease, or illness are promptly examined by a licensed veterinarian and maintaining adequate records from this point forward. All animals requiring veterinary treatment identified by APHIS Officials were communicated to the licensee as they were identified. Additionally, APHIS Officials discussed a comprehensive list of animals requiring care at the conclusion of 7 January 2015 with both the licensee and his wife. This discussion included both the necessary corrective action and a timeline for correction (given to the licensee as noon on Friday 10 January 2015).