citation_inspection

Facility inspections were conducted by the IACUC on April 12, 2013 and May 8, 2014; an eleven month interval. The IACUC is required to conduct inspections of all animal facilities every six months using the Animal Welfare Act as a basis for their evaluations. The semiannual inspections and evaluations are necessary to assess facility adherence to regulations and standards and comply with the semiannual reporting requirement to the Institutional Official. In the future animal facilities must be inspected by the IACUC every six months. Correct by: November 2014.

Three primary enclosures housing dogs have damaged walls with tile missing near the junction with the floor. The resulting defects in the walls may prevent the enclosures from adequate cleaning and sanitizing. Primary enclosures must be structurally sound and maintained in good repair. The walls should be repaired or replaced. Correct by: September 18, 2014.

During this inspection it was noted that a variety of the barrier fences were in need of attention. The Tamarin that is singly housed in the farm animal barn has access to an enclosure that is along the outside wall of the barn. Although the enclosure is ~5(cid:25) off of the ground there are some areas with a large enough mesh that may allow the public to have direct access to this primate. There is one wooden support post, in the front of the leopards holding area, that has begun to loosen up. This now allows for the fence to move back and forth. There is also a wooden support post in front of the bobcat enclosure that has also loosened up. Again the barrier is able to move back and forth. To ensure that the public does not have direct access to these animals these barriers will need to be addressed. To Be Corrected By: September 6, 2014 An exit briefing was conducted with the licensee.

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 11:30 am on 08/14/2014.

d) Interior surfaces. The floor of a primary enclosure housing an adult female Bulldog and her three nursing puppies was not impervious to moisture. Part of the floor was covered by linoleum, but a large area of the linoleum had been torn away, exposing the bare wood beneath it. Floors that are not impervious to moisture can not be cleaned and sanitized properly. The licensee must ensure that flooring is impervious to moisture. TO BE CORRECTED BY AUGUST 18, 2014.

Two food receptacles, being used by a total of 4 dogs, had an excessive amount of dirt and grime on the outside and inside of the receptacles. Dirty food receptacles can harbor diseases that can affect the health of the dogs and can contaminate the food. The licensee must ensure that food receptacles are properly cleaned and sanitized. TO BE CORRECTED BY AUGUST 20, 2014.

(c) Surfaces-- (3) Cleaning. *** Inside the whelping building, most of the enclosures had a build-up of hair, feces and grime hanging from the floors underneath the enclosures. Also, there was a build-up of hair, dirt and grime along the sides of the enclosures. The accumulation of the dirt and grime can cause diseases and attract pests. The licensee must ensure that primary enclosures are properly sanitized at least once every two weeks, or more often if necessary. The licensee must ensure animal enclosures, areas inside of housing facility and adjacent areas must be kept clean to ensure the health and well-being of the animals. The licensee must spot clean daily as required.

(a) General requirements.(2) Primary enclosures. ***Three enclosures in the whelping building housing at least 10 puppies total, had a floor with openings big enough that the puppies feet and legs were observed passing through the flooring during the inspection. The flooring, housing these small breed puppies, is a 1"x1" coated wire. These openings could allow for the puppies to get stuck or easily injured. The licensee must ensure, at all times, that all puppies are housed so their feet and legs cannot pass through the flooring.

2.40 (b)(2) A white, adult female Chihuahua ID # 0A01474835 had a haunched posture and walked with her back legs close together in a tucked position. The kennel staff stated that the dog had looked that way for approximately two months and that she had alerted the licensee to the unusual behavior but no action was taken. During further evaluation of the animal it was evident that the rear section of her mammary area was enlarged. In addition the left rear section had golf ball size mass. The kennel staff stated that the dog was not bred and had not had puppies recently. Abnormal behavior, altered posture and swollen tissue indicate the animal may have a medical condition and/or is in pain. The licensee shall ensure all animals receive adequate veterinary care. The licensee shall obtain a written diagnosis and treatment plan from a licensed veterinarian within 48 hours and provide care as prescribed. ** This NCI was identified during the inspection and the licensee was notified that the animal would need to be seen by a vet within 48 hours. There were two dogs at the facility with matted unkempt hair coats. The gray and white male ID # 0A01451969 had long facial hair that covered his eyes. He had large mats covering his body with tight matting on his legs. The white female poodle ID # 0A01473961 also had dangling mats from his face and body with tight matting on his rear legs. Matted hair and unkempt hair coats can effect the dogs vision, cause discomfort and itching and may lead to serious skin conditions, The licensee shall provide adequate veterinary care which includes routine grooming and hair coat maintenance. A proactive approach should be taken so that mats do not form.

3.1 (e) Storage There were roaches living inside the gray plastic tote used to store adult dog food. The licensee had a lid on the tote however, roaches were able to fit through the space in between the lid and tote. Roaches can spread disease and have contaminated the food intended for the adult dogs at the facility. The licensee shall ensure all open supplies of food are kept in leakproof containers with tightly fitting lids to prevent contamination and spoilage. TO BE CORRECTED BY: 8/18/2014

3.11 (d) Pest control There were roaches crawling along the walls of the indoor portion of the whelping facility.There were also roaches inside the plastic tote containing adult dog food. Pests such as roaches can contaminate food and spread disease. The licensee shall incorporate an effective pest control method to remove the roaches from the facility. TO BE CORRECTED BY: 8/29/14 This inspection was conducted with the licensee and kennel staff. An attempt was made to deliver the report on the morning of 8/15/14 however, the licensee was not available. An exit briefing was conducted with the licensee both at the close of the inspection and during the report delivery on 8/18/14.

A responsible adult was not available to accompany APHIS Officials during the inspection process at 11:00am on 08/14/2014.

The owner of the property has Bobcats, cavies, goats, Watusi, Whitetailed deer and a rabbit on exhibit to the public at his amusement facility. Any person operating or intending to operate as a exhibitor, except persons who are exempted from the licensing requirements under paragraph (a)(3) of this section, must have a valid license. A USDA, APHIS, AC license must be obtained to exhibit animals to the public.

The public is allowed to hand feed animals on exhibit including: six goats and a watusi. The public may contact the animals during feeding. Employees or attendants are not present during these times of public contact. One of the rabbits present at the last inspection was seen by the attending veterinarian for a back issue that was causing lameness. The care takers are not aware of how the injury happened because there are no attendants present at times of public contact. Unattended public contact may result in physical injury to the animals by trauma or them eating unapproved items. The animals experience mental harm when they are subject to ignorant and inappropriate human contact. A responsible, knowledgeable, and readily identifiable employee or attendant must be present at all times during public contact.

The two cavy are in an enclosure that does not have a perimeter fence. On or after May 17, 2000, all outdoor housing facilities (i.e., facilities not entirely indoors) must be enclosed by a perimeter fence that is of sufficient height to keep animals and unauthorized persons out. Fences less than 6 feet high for other animals must be approved in writing by the Administrator. The fence must be constructed so that it protects the animals in the facility by restricting animals and unauthorized persons from going through it or under it and having contact with the animals in the facility, and so that it can function as a secondary containment system for the animals in the facility. It must be of sufficient distance from the outside of the primary enclosure to prevent physical contact between animals inside the enclosure and animals or persons outside the perimeter fence. Such fences less than 3 feet in distance from the primary enclosure must be approved in writing by the Administrator. A perimeter fence must be errected around any enclosure housing a wild or exotic animal to act as secondary contaiment and to prevent death of the animal by a predator.

The three camel stalls in the barn are in disrepair. The wood around two of the stalls is damaged or missing in several areas. Additionally, no fewer than four sections of metal tube fencing that comprise these stalls are in disrepair. The fencing has been bent and damaged by the camels. The damaged wood and bent fencing are potential hazards to the camels. Assure that the camels are housed in enclosures that are maintained in good repair to prevent potential injury. To be corrected: 9-15-14 A verbal inspection exit briefing was conducted with the facility owner. The inspection report was sent by email.

Access and inspection of records and property. A responsible adult was not available to accompany APHIS Officials during the inspection process at 1:00-2:00 PM on 08/14/2014.

- The rear legs of one the oryx identifided with ear tag number 79 had long hooves. This oryx was lame and rolled or swung out his left rear limb when walking. The facility representative stated that a veterinarian had seen the hooves on 19 June 2014 and recomended a hoof trim. 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 orxy. This animal must be examined by a licensed veterinarian and appropriate treatment administered. The outcome of this examination must be documented and provided to the inspector upon request. -A female oryx was in extremely thin body condition, with clearly visible ribs, pelvis, and shoulder bones. The facility representative stated that on 19 June 2014 the herd was seen by a veterinarian. This veterinarian recommended the herd be placed on a de-worming medicated feed for 3 days. The veterinarian also stated that some of the herd may require diagnostic work up and care. The facility representative has not had the herd and in particular this animal re-evaluated, despite the oryx's condition failing to improve after the initial medicated feed. A thin animal with poor body condition may have an underlying health problem preventing proper weight gain. The licensee shall obtain a diagnosis, appropriate treatment to address the thin body condition and a plan for follow-up to ensure this animal's condition is resolved. The licensee shall establish and maintain programs of adequate veterinary care that include the use of appropriate methods to prevent, control, diagnose, and treat diseases and injuries. The licensee must ensure that all animals receive adequate veterinary care at all times.

The drive through area of the park had public members driving through and feeding animal feed from paper pepsi cups that had been purchased at the gift shop. There were no park employees present during this public/ animal interaction. The facility representative stated that the public can purchase 14% creeper pellets at the gift shop and feed to the animals in the drive through park. They dispensed feed in the paper pepsi cups which are for sale in the gift shop. A responsible, knowledgeable, and readily identifiable employee or attendant must be present at all times during periods of public contact.

- The enclosure housing the hyena had a single water receptacle. The water was greenish in color and particulate material was floating as well as settled on the bottom. The facility representative stated that the hyena was moved to this enclosure a few days ago. Water receptacles must be clean and contain potable water. More frequent cleaning and sanitizing is needed.

- The Jacob sheep in the walk-through portion of the park had no public barrier and no park employees were present. The facility representative stated that the public had access to the area without constant park employee supervision. She stated that employees came and went from the area during the day as they performed their duties. - A sheep and llama in the walk-through zoo had escaped their enclosure and were in their public barrier area. A goat from this enclosure had escaped the public barrier area as well and was free in the park. The facility representative stated that the public had access to the area without constant park employee supervision. She stated that employees came and went from the area during the day as they performed their duties. These animals are in a location which would allow them to easily have contact with members of the public.

- Two cavys being kept in an outdoor enclosure in the walk-through area of the park have an area of the fence that is rolled at the bottom and has sharp points exposed to the animals. This area of rolled fence is approximately 3 foot in length and is raised off the bottom of the enclosure approximately 2 to 3 inches. This section of fencing is a potential source of injury or entrapment to the enclosed animals. This fencing must be removed or repaired. All enclosures must be kept in good repair and protect the animals from injury. Correct by: 16 August 2014

- Throughout the walk through area of the zoo there were multiple areas that contained an excessive overgrowth of weeds and foilage in close proximity to the enclosures. The primary areas affected were the kangaroo and the Jacob's sheep pens. Weed overgrowth is a potential source of harborage for insects and other pests, and may negatively impact the enclosed animals. The facility must maintain the premises and keep weeds and other vegetation under control. Correct by 16 August 2014 Inspection and exit interview conducted with facility representative. Additional Inspectors Tygart Michael, Supervisory Animal Care Specialist Tomlinson Simone, Veterinary Medical Officer

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 9:00 am on 08/14/2014.

A responsible adult was not available to accompany APHIS Officials during the inspection process on 08/14/2014.

Since June, 2013 the applicant has been in charge of animal care at the facility and there have been numerous deaths of animals in their care. The list includes one ringtail lemur, 1 bobcat kitten, 2 adult watusi, 2 cavy, 1 fox, one peacock, one Chinese pheasant and two fallow deer. The applicant has recently acquired 2 Whitetailed deer fawns. The applicant has no experience bottle raising these animals. The applicants husband stated that the technician that was hired this spring supposedly had wild and exotic animal experience but they found out she had only worked at a dog kennel which is also the only experience that the applicants husband has with animals and the applicant also has not stated that she has any experience with wild or exotic animals. All licensees who maintain wild or exotic animals must demonstrate adequate experience and knowledge of the species they maintain. The applicant must gain the appropriate knowledge and experience of any species of animal prior to acquiring the animal or hire someone with the proper knowledge and experience with the species involved.

The Watusi is still in the primary enclosure for the horses. The horse enclosure is in very poor condition and is not sufficient to contain a Watusi. The facility must be constructed of such material and of such strength as appropriate for the animals involved.The indoor and outdoor housing facilities shall be structurally sound and shall be maintained in good repair to protect the animals from injury and to contain the animals. All animals must be contained in an enclosure that is appropriate for the species to prevent escape or injury of the animals. Repair or replace the Watusi enclosure fencing.

There is a large accumulation of feces in the cavies primary enclosure. Excreta shall be removed from primary enclosures as often as necessary to prevent contamination of the animals contained therein and to minimize disease hazards and to reduce odors. Clean the excreta from the cavies enclosure to prevent soiling of the animals and to reduce the risk of disease and odor. Exit conducted with a facility representative. NO REGULATED ACTIVITIES MAY BE CONDUCTED UNTIL A VALID USDA LICENSE IS OBTAINED. Additional Inspectors Hammel Kurt, Veterinary Medical Officer