citation_inspection: 4246

Two oval metal stock water troughs on the patio of the keeper building were housing numerous guinea pigs outdoors. Tub #1 housed 22 adult guinea pigs and their offspring and tub #2 housed 28 adult guinea pigs with offspring on 6 January 2015. The temperature measured with the Kestrel 3000 ranged from 36.4 to 37 degrees F at approximately 11:00 a.m. On 7 January 2015 these same two oval metal stock water troughs housed 40 adult guinea pigs with offspring and 38 adult guinea pigs with their offspring. The temperature measured with a Raytek MiniTemp MT-6 non-contact thermometer away from the heat lamp ranged from 15-18 degrees F and under the heat lamp ranged from 40.5 (42 Max)-39.5(46 Max) degrees F at about 9:35 a.m. An oval metal stock water trough in an unheated trailer (tub #3) housed 17 adult guinea pigs with their offspring on 7 January 2015. The temperature measured with the Kestrel 3000 was 36.9 degrees F at 10:19 a.m. These temperatures are significantly below the required 60-85 degrees F for indoor guinea pig facilities. All three oval metal stock water troughs housed guinea pigs with areas of hair loss. The attending veterinarian examined the guinea pigs on 8 January 2015 and suspected ringworm. The stress of the low temperatures may be contributing to the dermal problem in the guinea pig colony. The owner said he had a variance to house the guinea pigs, but could only find his request for a variance. The description of the housing in that request is different than the current housing and no reply to the request could be found. Housing guinea pigs outdoors when temperatures are near or below freezing is not an appropriate climate for their health and well-being. Guinea pigs shall not be housed in outdoor facilities unless such facilities are located in an appropriate climate and prior approval for such housing is obtained from the Deputy Administrator. The facility owner was informed on Wednesday late afternoon by the APHIS officials to have this corrected by noon on Friday, 9 January 2015.