citation_inspection

On the facility semiannual inspection report, there is a list of "areas of concern" from the IACUC. However, there is no indication of the severity of these "concerns", nor is there a correction date or plan for any of these. These semiannual reports must distinguish any deviations from the animal welfare act, must distinguish minor from significant deficiencies, and must assign a reasonable correction date for any deficiencies. Correct from this date forward.

* There was a 6 foot, chain-link, perimeter fence surrounding the entire circus including the tigers' primary enclosures and their exercise enclosure. A drive-through gate in that fence was left open and unattended several times during the inspection. The open gate was approximately 100 feet away from and in plain view of the tiger transport trailer and enclosures. There was a fence immediately around the tiger transport enclosures, but it was only 4 feet tall and was within arms reach of the enclosures. At one point, the gate was left wide open after the tiger caretaker and much of the rest of the circus staff left the premises for a break. An unauthorized person could have easily approached and made contact with the tigers at that time. * Perimeter fence gates left open and unattended do not adequately prevent unauthorized personnel from coming in contact with the animals and do not adequately function as secondary containment systems. This could result in something harmful happening to the tigers or the public. *** The licensee must ensure the tigers' primary enclosures are contained within a secure perimeter fence which is at least 8 feet tall and 3 feet away from the enclosures OR provide appropriate alternative security measures. TO BE CORRECTED BY: this non-compliant item was corrected prior to the end of the inspection. The inspection was conducted on 22-23 July 2014 with a facility representative. A verbal exit interview was conducted in person with a facility representative and via telephone with the licensee on 23 July 2014. Additional Inspectors Niemann Jamilon, Supervisory Animal Care Specialist

***An adult tan and white male Chihuahua named "Checker" (ID # 107 059 817) has a whitish-gray film over the lower portion of the left eye, covering approximately 50 percent of the eye surface. The licensee stated that the dog was acquired with this problem, but has not been evaluated by a veterinarian. ***An adult female black and white Chihuahua named "Mindy" (ID # 264), has a growth in the lower inner corner of her left eye. The growth is red, oblong in shape, and moist looking. It is approximately the size of a pencil eraser. The licensee stated the veterinarian has looked at the eye growth and stated it is not causing the dog problems; however, there was no documentation available at the time of the inspection. ***An adult golden sable female Lhasa Apso named "Hillary" (ID # 107 273 106), has a greenish-tan discharge on about 30 percent of the surface of the left eye and around the edges of the eyelids. Some of this discharge has dried to a crust around the edge of the eyelids and is crusted in the fur on the inner corner of the eye. Eye problems can be an indicator of injury, disease, allergies or irritation, and can be painful and/or itchy, and can affect the health and well-being of the animal. The licensee must consult with a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and to develop and follow a treatment plan by the close of business July 29, 2014. The licensee must document the veterinarian's findings; the treatment plan that is followed, and have the records available to the inspector upon request. >>>>>>>>>>>>>> ***An adult red male long-haired Chihuahua namedI "Felix" (ID # 100 853 787),has a thick, brownish gray material covering his molars on his right side. On the left side, the gums are reddened, receding, and has a creamy white discharge at the gum line. The rest of the teeth could not be visualized due to the reluctance of the dog to let the inspector examine the inside of his mouth. ***An adult black and tan male Yorkshire terrier named "Johnnie" (ID # 096 625 867), has a thick, grayish-brown material adhered to his upper molars, canines and front teeth on both sides, and a moderate amount on all the lower teeth. The cheek teeth on the left side have receding gums, the cheek teeth on the right side are missing. The upper right molar has a white, creamy discharge at the gum line. ***An adult silver and tan female Yorkshire terrier named "Janelle" (ID # 069 310 367), has a thick, grayish-brown material covering all surfaces of upper molars, cheek teeth, and front teeth. The lower teeth have a moderate amount of this material adhered to the teeth. The gums on both upper sides of the teeth are reddened, swollen, and receding away from the teeth. Above the right molar, there is a creamy white discharge at the gum line. Dental problems can be painful, make it difficult to eat, lead to the development of other health problems, and can affect the health and well-being of the animal. The licensee must consult with a veterinarian by close of business July 25, 2014 for a proper diagnosis and to develop and follow a treatment plan. The licensee must document the veterinarian's findings; the treatment plan that is followed, and have the records available to the inspector upon request.

Inside the first sheltered housing building are 14 enclosures affecting a total of 38 adult dogs with excess rust on the metal bar along the bottom of the front of the enclosures. The rusted surface is rough, flaking with several of the metal bar deteriorating causing it to lose its structural strength. On the outside of the "Reefer/Cooler Building" near the dog door in 4 enclosures affecting a total of 25 adult dogs is an excess amount of rust on the wall which does not allow the area to be properly cleaned and sanitized. Rusted surfaces prevent adequate cleaning and sanitization which can play a role in disease transmission. The licensee must maintain all surfaces in housing facilities so that they are free of excessive rust that prevents the required cleaning and sanitization. To be corrected by September 11, 2014.

In the outside run of the Reefer/Cooler Building, the farthest enclosure on the south side housing five adult cocker spaniels has an excess amount of feces and debris piled up against the fence on the west side. A buildup of feces causes odors, attracts insects, pests, and other vermin, and is a disease hazard. The licensee must ensure fecal material and other debris is removed often enough to ensure odors are kept at a minimum, insects and pests are not attracted, and disease hazards are eliminated. To be corrected by July 23, 2014.

At the time of the inspection, there was no excersise plan available for review. . An exercise plan must be developed to ensure the dogs are getting adequate exercise. The licensee must develop, document, and follow an appropriate plan and have it approved and signed by the attending veterinarian.

**** A prairie dog located in the back of the museum had approximately 30 to 40% hair loss on its left side and flank area at the time of inspection. The skin did not appear to be red or irritated. The licensee stated the animal had been evaluated by a veterinarian in February of this year but there was no supporting medical documentation. The licensee stated that the hair loss has worsened since the evaluation by the veterinarian. Hair loss can be an indication of bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infections as well as a psychological stress. This prairie dog must be examined by a licensed veterinarian to ensure that an accurate diagnosis is obtained and an appropriate treatment plan is developed and followed. The licensee must document this information and make it available to the inspector upon request. **** To be corrected by 8/5/2014.

Section 2.126(b) - Access and inspection of records and property: A responsible adult shall be made available to accompany APHIS officials during the inspection process. A responsible adult was not available to accompany APHIS Officials during the inspection process at 1158 am on 07/22/2014. Additional Inspectors Cunningham Debbie, Veterinary Medical Officer

****The left front leg of the male prairie dog housed in the jungle area was missing from the carpal joint distal. This prairie dog was non-weight bearing on the left front limb. The facility representative stated that the leg has always been this way. The attending veterinarian had not been consulted nor had any treatment been provided at the time of inspection. Limb problems can be painful causing discomfort. It can affect the mobility and daily activity of the prairie dog. ****The rear left hind foot of the female prairie dog housed in the jungle area had excessively long toe nails such that one nail was curled to approximately 360 degrees. Excessively long toe nails can cause the animal pain and discomfort and can grow into the toe pad, causing damage, lameness, and possible infection. Lack of nail care on a regular basis can affect the health and well-being of animals. The licensee must establish a nail trim maintenance program. These animals must be examined by a licensed veterinarian and appropriate treatment administrated. The outcome of this examination must be documented and provided to the inspector upon request. The licensee must ensure that all animals receive adequate veterinary care at all times. To be corrected by: 8/5/14

**** In the capuchin enclosure there was a mixture of dirt, grease and other excreta on the plastic entryway door to the nesting box. This area contained their food bowl and allowed the animals to be off exhibit. The affected area covers approximately 40 to 50 percent of the plastic entryway door. Sanitization of surfaces is necessary to prevent an accumulation of excreta and other disease hazards. This indicates an unsanitary living condition exists that could lead to potential disease or health risks. The licensee must ensure that all surfaces are spot cleaned on a daily basis and sanitized in accordance with 3.84.

****The facility had a refrigerator used for storing food. The refrigerator's lower shelf had an accumulation of spills, debris, and other build up inside that had not been washed or sanitized for a period of time. The lower shelf is constructed of a wood material and did not appear to be sealed. Unsanitary refrigerators can lead to odors, increase flies/pests, and spreading of diseases. All refrigerators and other food storage units must be washed and sanitized to eliminate build up, decrease odors, and kept clean at all times for the overall health of the animals. Affects all covered species.

There was not a recorded site visit or written program of veterinary care by the attending veterinarian at time of inspection. Good communication and consultation between the licensee and the attending veterinarian in the form of a written program of veterinary care and regularly scheduled visits to the premise are necessary for the health of the animals. The licensee must schedule a site visit with the attending veterinarian and keep the recorded documentation available for inspection. To be corrected by August 12, 2014. Exit interview conducted with facility representative at time of inspection.

Cats: enclosure has one shallow, black rubber water dish, which at time of inspection was in full sunlight. High temperatures over 90 degrees are normal in this area during the summer. A shallow, black water dish in full sunlight can create a situation where the water is too hot to be potable. Potable water must be provided must be provided for the health and comfort of the animals. CORRECT BY 7-23-14 Exit interview conducted with facility personnel. Additional Inspectors Fields Tyler, Veterinary Medical Officer

(b)(3) ***** At time of inspection a single housed male lion was observed to be exceptionally thin. His hips, vertebrae, and ribs were very prominent. The animal was lying on its side and did not stand during this inspection. According to records this animal is only 8 years old and has had no prior medical problems but he has not been evaluated by a veterinarian recently. It is the licensee(cid:25)s responsibility to have a trained person evaluating these animals daily and communicating any concerns with the veterinarian in a timely manner. According to this animal(cid:25)s records there has been no communication with the attending veterinarian. The licensee needs to contact the veterinarian and have this animal evaluated. To be corrected by: Close of business on 8/2/14

(a) ***** At time of inspection the chain-link fabric used for the enclosure located directly west of the leopard enclosure consisted of several different sized pieces of chain-link fabric. Where the two eight foot sections where joined together there were several locations which had not been fastened together they were simply overlapping each other. There were several places where they were not fastened to the posts used to support the construction, At the top there was no top rail or tension wire which was securely fastened to the posts for supporting the chain link fabric. This was the construction of the south wall of this enclosure. The walls of the rest of the enclosure consisted of chain-link fabric in various sizes with the use of a tension wire along the top which was not attached to the post supports and in some locations missing entirely. ***** In the enclosure next to this enclosure to the north it was constructed of chain-link fabric and posts with what was to be considered a 45 degree kick in of chain-link material along the top. The fabric along the top sagged in many places from having no top support such as a tension wire or top rail. This fails to provide the type of system that is considered appropriate to maintain the enclosure in good repair and the animal securely within the enclosure should it decide to attempt to escape. TO BE CORRECTED BY: 10/31/14

(a) ***** At time of inspection the leopard pen had remnants of animal fur and skin which had not been removed. During the summer(cid:25)s hot temperatures and high humidity that is present in this area routine husbandry practices need to provide for the quick removal of material which leads to the attraction of pests and insects, causes odors and can lead to disease problems in the facility ***** At time of inspection the enclosure housing two tigers had fecal material which was chalk white to light grey in appearance which had not been removed during the routine husbandry of the enclosures which should be occurring. This can lead to pests, odors and disease which can affect the health of the animals at this facility. A more frequent cleaning of these enclosures need to be incorporated into the standard operating procedures for this facility. TO BE CORRECTED BY: 8/8/14 This inspection conducted by APHIS, USDA, ANIMAL CARE PERSONNEL and the Director. An initial exit interview was conducted at time of inspection by APHIS, USDA, ANIMAL CARE PERSONNEL with the Director. A follow up exit interview was conducted by APHIS, USDA, ANIMAL CARE Inspector with the Director on 7/31/14, as requested documentation from the facility which was emailed to the inspector following the inspection had to be reviewed before final items which would be addressed on the inspection report could be determined. All items on the inspection report where discussed during this final exit interview with the Director. END OF REPORT. Additional Inspectors Digesualdo Cynthia, Veterinary Medical Officer

At the time of this inspection it was noted that the stream bed that runs through the calf, goat and sheep enclosures was in need of attention. This water feature is ~ 6-8(cid:29) deep. However, the water in this stream bed was brown and emitted an odor. At this time you could not see the bottom of this stream bed. To ensure that the areas are kept clean this water feature will need to be cleaned on a more frequent basis. ***To Be Corrected By: July 23, 2014

**** The facility does not employ a full-time veterinarian and there was no written program of veterinary care available at the time of inspection. A written program of veterinary care is required for facilities which do not employ a full-time veterinarian. That program of veterinary care must be made available for review during inspections to ensure adequate veterinary care is being provided. The licensee must follow a written program of veterinary care as directed by the attending veterinarian and make it available during inspections. To be corrected by:8/5/14

**** There was not an environmental enhancement plan (EEP) on hand to adequately address the psychological well-being of the nonhuman primates. The EEP must be reviewed and approved by the attending veterinarian. There are many sources that can assist in developing a plan for nonhuman primate enrichment. (cid:28)The Psychological Well-Being of Nonhuman Primates(cid:29) published by the National Research Council is one source. There is no plan denoting the enrichment and no log book or calendar showing that enrichment takes place. The animals do have different items in their enclosures, but there is no schedule of rotating or changing the items in the pens. The enrichment must be documented on the environmental enhancement plan, and the plan must be followed. To be corrected by:8/5/14 Additional Inspectors Cunningham Debbie, Veterinary Medical Officer

There is no documentation indicating the Prinicple Investigator has been fully trained and is qualified to conduct the alternative method of euthanasia indicated in the protocol. The training records provided indicate a general fire arm safety and use course was attended and completed, but there are no records indicating any training in the specific application to the animals. As of this date no animals have been euthanized on this protocol. Prior to euthanizing any animals by the alternative method documented, training shall be provided and documentation kept indicating the Principle Investigator if fully qualified. Correct by August 24, 2014. The inspection and exit briefing conducted with a facility representative.

A responsible adult was not available to accompany APHIS Officials during the inspection process at 2:00 P.M. on 07/22/2014. End of report.

The two reindeer cows had overgrown hooves to the point that the front dewclaws made contact with the ground and, for the cow named Bossy, the front toes were starting to cross. Excessive hoof growth can contribute to abnormal gait which can cause a change in the toe joints and may contribute to osteoarthritis especially in older animals such as these. The facility needs to have a better plan to manage the growth of the hooves to prevent them from getting too long instead of only once a year when the antler velvet is shed. The attending veterinarian was contacted immediately following the inspection to setup an appointment for hoof trimming and evaluation of the animals. The program of veterinary care must include appropriate methods to prevent, control, diagnose, and treat diseases, injuries, and other conditions that may arise. To be corrected by 7/31/2014.

*** Numerous containers (over 6) of outdated medications were noted in the drug storage area. Additionally other containers were inadequately labled - not specifying which dog was to receive the medication or the expiration date. Lastly many of the containers in this area were covered with dust. For the health and safety of the animals all of these issues must be addressed. Correct by 8/22/14.

*** The freezer where meat is presently being stored is iced over and should be defrosted and cleaned. It also appears quite old and it's future reliability is questionable. To prevent the risk of food deterioration and/or contamination this situation should be addressed. Correct by 10/15/14. *** The knives used to cut meat fed to the hybrids are stored in punctures made in a deteriorating back splash behind the carving table. The back splash should be replaced and the knives stored in a hygenic manner in order to reduce the risk of food contamination. Correct by 7/29/14.

*** Although the dogs appear to have adequate room for exercise, it is important for the welfare of the dogs that a plan providing the opportunity for exercise be approved by the attending veterinarian and be made available to APHIS inspectors on request. Of particular importance is sufficient snow/ice removal in the winter to allow the opportunity for exercise. Correct by 8/22/14.

The IACUC membership is not fully constituted. With the recent changes in staff there is no veterinarian currently appointed to the committee. The committe must have at least three members. Of the three members, one must be a veterinarian who has experience in laboratory animal medicine and has direct or delegated program responsibilities at the facility. The IACUC committee membership shall be complete and appointment letters for each member shall be kept on file. Correct by August 31, 2014.

A responsible adult was not available to accompany an APHIS official during the inspection process at 3:00PM on 7/22/2014. A responsible adult must be present for all inspection processes. Contact the inspector by 7/29/2014 to provide times of availability.

A responsible adult was not available to accompany APHIS Officials during the inspection process at 1200pm on 07/22/2014. Multiple attempts have been made to contact this licensee with negative results. I stayed for 30 minutes in the driveway calling the licensee on the numbers provided. The home phone has now been disconnected and the cell phone is set to not take any messages. The licensee has never returned any phone messages or tried to make contact with this inspector and has not been inspected once since he became licensed. This licensee has actively refused to communicate with the inspector to allow an inspection and has continually made no effort to work out any arrangements for future inspections. Attempts have been made on multiple days and times with no results, and the licensee has not communicated any 'optimal times for inspection' options after repeated messages and 'attempted inspections' requesting this information. This is the fifth attempt at an inspection since his Pre-license August 1, 2013. Please contact this inspector at 618-315-3649 ASAP in order to sort out optimal times for inspections.