citation_inspection

An IACUC approved pilot protocol involving rabbits did not contain an adequate rationale for the appropriateness of the species or the numbers of animals to be used for that activity. The protocol stated that 8 rabbits would be used but there was no rationale provided for why these were the numbers needed to make the procedures valid. An explanation is needed to justify these numbers, including factors such as how the numbers were generated, and why the numbers are necessary and / or statistically significant. The rationale for the appropriateness of the species and the number of animals to be used in a study is an important component of protocols that utilize animals. The rationale approved by the IACUC should provide assurance that the appropriate species and number of animals is being used to obtain the information the activity is designed to provide. In addition to assuring that the minimum number of animals is used to obtain the desired information, the rationale should also ensure that enough animals are used to make the activity worthwhile. It is the responsibility of the IACUC to ensure that proposals to conduct activities in ongoing activities involving animals contain rationales that explain the appropriateness of the number of animals to be used in those activities. To be corrected on all future protocols.

Identification of which animal is in which enclosure and a system to communicate health concerns regarding a particular animal are an important part of providing adequate veterinary care. The cage cards or post it notes for the rabbits did not indicate a tattoo or identification number, only what compound the animal had been given. If the cards are switched during cage cleaning, or the rabbit is put back in a different cage, there is no way to visually confirm that the cage card matches the rabbit (although the rabbit has a unique tattoo). The dogs did not have a identification or cage card available. A system must be in place to accurately identify the animal in the enclosure and communicate health concerns among the staff and the veterinarian. To be corrected by October 25, 2015

The following was noted in the primary procedure room and in the hallway: The countertops of the primary procedure room were cluttered, with cardboard boxes holding medical supplies, which cannot be readily sanitized. The chairs in the procedure room were fabric covered, and therefore could not be cleaned and sanitized and could collect fur from the rabbits that were brought into the room. There were needle caps, open eppendorf tubes and open bottles of water present in the procedure area. There was a sling for larger animals that was sitting in the hallway outside the dog runs. According to the facility, they have not used dogs in a protocol for 6 months to a year, but the sling was covered in fur and debris. A system to ensure the sanitation of the procedure rooms and animal equipment is important to prevent the spread of disease and maintain healthy animals. To be corrected by October 25, 2015 An exit briefing was conducted with the facility personnel by Dr. Katharine Frank and Dr. Alexandra Andricos Additional Inspectors Andricos Alexandra, Veterinary Medical Officer