citation_inspection

- In 2015, 16 dogs were acquired from 4 non-licensed vendors for an active protocol. Of the 4 vendors, only 1 provided the required certification stating that the animals were born and raised on the person's premises. Further facility documentation revealed that a total of 10 dogs acquired from 3 vendors were not born and raised on the vendors(cid:25) premises. The facility IACUC discovered this noncompliance in Fall of 2015 and issued a letter of reprimand to the responsible Primary Investigator, requiring that future dog purchases meet all requirements of the Animal Welfare Act. However, the IACUC did not require the Investigator to definitely identify the ultimate source of the animals which had already been acquired. In order to ensure that these dogs are appropriate research animals, the facility must make every possible effort to trace these animals and ensure that they were properly acquired by the vendors. This is a critical element of the Animal Welfare Act. The facility must identify the ultimate source of these animals within 45 days of this inspection. All findings must be communicated with the USDA. Correct within 45 days

- The current cage sanitization procedure for rabbits on an active protocol is not adequate. The facility is using a product labeled "Top Performance Cherry-256". The current procedure is to fill a large (~110 gallon) rubber tank with the disinfectant, then dip the cages into the tank. The facility employees stated that they mix the bin with 1 gallon disinfectant and then fill the tank with water. This solution is kept for approximately six months, and used every couple of weeks. The bin is located in a corner of the rabbit room, and was adjacent to a cage with a rabbit inside. The label directions for the product are to mix 1/2 ounce of disinfectant for every gallon of water. The label also states that a new batch of solution should be mixed daily. The current facility practice is to use a batch for several months, adding water as needed to keep the tank full. Further, this product is labeled as "corrosive" and indicates potential health impacts if inhaled, ingested, or contacted. Locating an open tank of this mixture next to the rabbits could possibly have a negative impact on the rabbits. No animal health impacts were noted during the inspection, but this practice seems to constitute a potential risk. - The facility must evaluate this sanitization process to assess the efficacy and the safety. Sanitization must be conducted in an appropriate manner to ensure the health and welfare of the animals. Correct by: 23 June 2016 Inspection and exit interview conducted by Michael Tygart (VMO), Konnie Plumlee (VMO) and facility representatives. Additional Inspectors Plumlee Konnie, Supervisory Animal Care Specialist