citation_inspection

The IACUC minutes reviewed do not fully capture deliberations during the IACUC meetings and the changes to policies granted outside of a fully convened meeting. In August 2014, a new food restriction policy was voted on and approved by the IACUC to be used as the standard in food restriction protocols. The policy was implemented. There were complications when applied to one of the protocols resulting in the NHP's no longer performing their tasks. The PI for this protocol requested an exemption which would allow greater restriction. There is no IACUC documented discussion or deliberation for review that indicates the initial review of the alternate policy was conducted in consultation the Attending Veterinarian. Emails review that were not provided with the IACUC records but provided later indicate the alternate policy was reviewed by 2 IACUC members and then sent via email to committee members for a yes or no vote to allow a variance on the food restriction policy. The variance was approved by majority vote and implemented prior to a full committee vote. The full committee vote took place in November. In contradiction, the physical exams in the animal records during that period of time document a treatment plan to increase the NHP's daily intake to allow them to gain weight. The IACUC records provided and veterinary records are not in agreement. The activities of the IACUC are not fully reflected in the IACUC minutes. The research facility shall maintain IACUC records that include all activities of the committee and committee deliberations. Correct by next IACUC meeting (March 2015)

The wall in CB 1619 directly behind the rack of nonhuman primate cages has been scored by the rack leaving a strip that is approximately 4 inches wide and no longer impervious to moisture. This area cannot be properly cleaned and sanitized. The surface shall be repaired. Correct by April 13, 2015 Focused Inspection conducted February 10 - 12, the exit briefing conducted February 12, 2015 with the IACUC Chair and the Vice President for Research. Exit briefing conducted with the IO on February 26, 2015.

Item Facilities General 3.101 a 1 At the time of inspection it was noticed that the door entering the sea lion exhibit holding area had begun to rot and corrode. Housing facilities need to be maintained structurally sound and in good repair. Facility needs to repair/replace door. Correct by 5/1/15 Exit interview took place at the end of inspection.

The public is allowed to enter a lemur exhibit for encounters with 2 red ruffed lemurs & 2 black & white ruffed lemurs. While inside the exhibit they remain seated on benches with a handler inside with them. During these public encounters, the lemurs are permitted free access within the exhibit and can (and do) run around and jump on and off of the seated patrons. During an encounter, this inspector observed that when one of the lemurs jumped onto the 8 year old boy, the lemur scratched the back of his neck. There were 2 visible longitudinal scratch marks (approx. 1"), but no blood, that were easily visualized by this inspector. This boy also indicated that a lemur nipped at his ear lobe (but did not cause any harm). The licensee indicated that there is a written SOP for this type of encounter, but that SOP was not being stored on-site and therefore could not be reviewed. These primates are not under the direct control (as defined as: to exercise restraint or direction over; dominate; commands) of the handler during these encounters. This type of encounter also does not minimize risk of harm to the public as it was observed on the day of the inspection. Fixed public exhibits housing nonhuman primates, such as zoos, must have a barrier between the primary enclosure and the public at any time the public is present, in order to restrict physical contact between the public and the nonhuman primates. Nonhuman primates used in trained animal acts or in uncaged public exhibits must be under the direct control and supervision of an experienced handler or trainer at all times when the public is present. Trained nonhuman primates may be allowed physical contact with the public, but only if they are under the direct control and supervision of an experienced handler or trainer at all times during the contact. Correct immediately.

The light fixture in the left bear den, and the right front tiger den are not working. The intensity of the lighting does not permit a thorough inspection of all of these areas, specifically to determine the structural integrity of the chain link tops of the left bear den and the right front tiger den. The lighting in these 2 areas is noticeable darker than the adjacent dens. It is also not uniformly distributed throughout all of the dens (some dens are much brighter than the others in the same building) Lighting shall be uniformly distributed and of sufficient intensity to permit routine inspector inspection to ascertain compliance with the applicable standards &/or regulations. Correct by February 28, 2015 An exit interview was conducted on-site with the facility director & facility assistant director. The Director did not want to sign for the inspection report, and this report will be E mailed.

Inside of the indoor portion of the Orangutan sheltered enclosure, there is an excessive amount of rat feces inside the enclosure. Evidence of rat feces is an indicator of an ineffective pest control program. Rat droppings can harbor disease causing organisms and could cause potential contamination in animal areas. The licensee should ensure an effective pest control program is in place to control pests and reduce potential contamination. To be corrected by February 25, 2015.

An adult male blonde colored Bichon/Shih-tzu mix identified by microchip (0A02121033) has an excessively matted hair coat. The fur is also long enough to cover the dog's eyes preventing it from being able to see clearly. There are clumps of matted fur in various sizes found on more than half of the dog's body. Around the tail and back legs there are clumps of dried fecal material approximately one inch by one inch matted in the hair coat. Larger areas of matted fur approximately three inches by three inches are visible on the abdomen and along the neck and back. Excessive matting can cause pain and discomfort to the animal. In addition, matting can foster skin infections and can hinder the animal's ability to move of defecate normally. The licensee needs to remove the matted fur on the dog. As part of the facility's program of veterinary care, the licensee must establish and follow a program of regular coat maintenance for all of the dogs to prevent the development of excess matting. To be corrected by: February 12, 2015. Exit interview conducted with facility representative.

A brown goat that was noted by the inspectors on the inspection of 12-16-14 as lame and having difficulty moving still appeared to be having difficulty walking. The goat moved stiffly and seemed hesitant to move or place weight on its right rear leg. This goat had been seen by the attending veterinarian according to the facility president. It was diagnosed with arthritis and given an injection of cortisone according to the facility president. This had helped the goat according to the facility president. This goat requires evaluation by the attending veterinarian and additional treatment to alleviate its pain and suffering. This goat is to be evaluated by the attending veterinarian by close of business on 2-11-15. The tiger known as Sher Kahn was very hesitant to stand. When he did stand the muscles of all of his legs were trembling and the tiger appeared to be very weak. The tiger moved very slowly and stiffly. The tiger had not eaten any of its food from the night before. The facility president was aware of this animals condition and stated that the animal was old and had arthritis. This tiger was not on any treatment according to the facility president. This tiger is suffering in its current condition. This tiger requires evaluation by the attending veterinarian for treatment to alleviate its pain and suffering. This tiger is to be evaluated by the attending veterinarian by close of business on 2-11-15. The macaque known as Huey had a wound on the tip of its tail. This lesion was about 1/2 inch long and was red and raw. Tail wounds of this nature can spread rapidly if not treated in a timely fashion as the animal will continue to pick at this area. This can lead to infection which can ultimately require tail tip amputation. Wounds must be treated promptly to avoid unnecessary pain and suffering. This monkey requires evaluation by the attending veterinarian for treatment. This monkey is to be evaluated by the attending veterinarian by close of business on 2-11-15. Documentation of the veterinary evaluation for these animals with treatment recommendations and records must be maintained and available for review by APHIS officials.

The produce cooler contains spoiled produce. Oranges with white mold spots, deteriorating radishes, softening apples, molding ginger, molding cheese, deteriorating squash and peppers along with other spoiling produce were all present in the produce cooler. Spoiled produce must be removed promptly to prevent contamination of food intended to be fed to the animals. Sort and remove spoiled produce promptly. This cooler needs to be cleaned and have spoiled and deteriorating items removed in order to prevent contamination of food items that will be fed to the animals. The produce sorting area of the produce cooler contained two chainsaws that had been used to butcher the previous day. These saws were covered in blood and tissue. These saws must be cleaned and sanitized promptly after use. They should not be stored in the produce cooler where it is possible for the material on them or the gas and oil in them to contaminate produce intended for animal feed. The meat cooler had a horrible ammonia like odor mixed with the odor of rotten and decaying meat. This odor makes it very hard to determine if the meat items stored in this cooler are fit for animal consumption. Clean the cooler, identify the source of the odor and eliminate it.

The enclosure containing the three alpacas and the enclosure containing four goats and one sheep each had a large pan of dog food in them. Feeding a diet not intended to be fed to these animals could lead to digestive issues or nutritional deficits. Feed a diet that is adequate to meet the nutritional needs of these animals. Consult with the attending veterinarian if needed.

The butcher area had been used yesterday and was not cleaned. The floor was covered with blood and cow feces. The band saw was covered in animal tissue. The counter was covered in blood. A knife and cutting board were on the counter and also covered with blood. The facility president stated that no hot water was available as it was frozen. Fix the water supply and clean the butcher area or bring in water to clean and sanitize it. This area must be cleaned promptly after use. The animal tissue and blood can serve to attract rodent pest which are numerous throughout the facility. The alleyway leading to the butcher area as well as the buildings along this alleyway are filled with various trash, debris, fencing, pipe and old equipment. The building next to the butcher area is also filled with various debris, old equipment, boards, trash, buckets, tires and fencing. These areas provide ample hiding areas for rodents and other pests. Numerous rodent holes were located throughout the facility. Mouse feces was seen in the warm room area. All this material must be removed to help control the rodent infestation of this property.

It is evident that due to the nature and severity of the animal husbandry issues at the facility that there is a lack of adequately trained employees. The facility relies on volunteer workers. The president of the facility stated to APHIS inspectors that there was no formalized scheduling of workers at the facility. A lack of properly trained employees can result in facility and animal conditions that result in unnecessary animal suffering. Animal numbers must be reduced or more properly trained workers need to be added. Workers need to be trained in the basic needs of the animals at the facility. Topics should include at a minimum: the need for adequate bedding during times of extreme weather, the importance of cleaning and good housekeeping procedures, proper diet for different species of animals and observation of animals for abnormal conditions and behaviors. This training should be done in conjunction with the attending veterinarian or his designee. A list of topics covered and attendees must be documented for review by APHIS. A facility schedule needs to be developed that allows for adequate employee coverage in order to address all animal husbandry needs. Also the facility president is the only one authorized to work with the dangerous animals at the facility. All animal work must be done with the dangerous animals under his direct supervision. This limits the amount of time that is available to service the dangerous animal enclosures as the facility president is often offsite. This leads to poor sanitation in the dangerous animal enclosures. The facility president needs to find a way to be onsite more or hire trained staff to help run the facility. Inspection and exit interview conducted with the facility president. Additional Inspectors Bongard Carrie, Animal Care Inspector

The kennel facility consists of one indoor housing building. The building is divided into three parts, two animal housing rooms and a food storage room. In the animal rooms there are double stacked rows of enclosures along two walls. There is a wash down structure between the upper and lower sets of raised wire enclosures. The wash downs are higher on the northern end to enhance flow of waste to the southern end. At the southern end of the wash down the waste washes over the side and onto the floor where a drain is located. On the western side of the second (western) dog room the last lower enclosure contains two adult dogs. When the waste is washed over the end of the wash down it can splash into the bottom enclosure onto the two adults. The dealer must repair or replace the drainage system to prevent the animals from being contaminated from the waste material. Housing facilities must be equipped with disposal facilities and drainage systems that are constructed and operated so that animal waste and water are rapidly eliminated and animals stay dry, to protect the health and welfare of the animal, and to prevent the spread of disease. Affects two adults. Correct by February 18, 2015

In the newly occupied indoor housing building there are a total of 3 primary enclosures each containing three adults. These enclosures and animals were measured to show they did not provide the contained animals with the minimum amount of floor space. One enclosure contains three Pomeranians sixteen inches in length. These animals require ten square feet but only have 9.7sqft. The other two enclosures each contain three adult Dachshunds nineteen inches in length. The two enclosures each require thirteen sq ft but only have 11.3 sq ft. Each dog housed in a primary enclosure must be provided a minimum amount of floor space to protect the health and welfare of the contained animals. The dealer must insure each animal has it's required minimum floor space. Affects nine adults. Correct by February 15, 2015

** The puppies did not have proper identification. All regulated animals at the facility must be properly identified to aid USDA in the tracking of animals if necessary. A cage card can be used to identify the puppies. The card must have the Licensee's certificate number, the letters USDA, the puppies individual identification numbers, the date of birth, sex and brief description. If litters are mixed then the identification must be on the puppies. The owner must ensure that all regulated animals at the facility are properly identified. To be corrected by: 02-24-15. This inspection and exit briefing conducted with the owner. End of report.

***In the sheltered facility, there was a male Boston Terrier identified as "Mister"- DOB 3/31/07, that had protruding shoulder, hip and spine bones. The flanks were sunken in so that the dog was extremely thin. This dog also had hair loss on the lateral sides of both front legs approximately two inches above the feet. These areas were bright pink with a few small scabbed areas and other areas that were raised and pinkish/clear as in the appearance of a blister. There was also hair loss (dime size) across the front paws, the back legs approximately four inches above the feet, the tail, spine and hip bones. He also had toenails that were long enough that they were beginning to turn the digits. The facility representative stated that this animal had been dewormed recently due to being thin, that the hair loss was from digging and he had not been examined by a licensed veterinarian. Bone protrusion and hair loss can be indications of a serious medical condition. Long toenails left unattended can turn the digits and cause discomfort, pain or lameness. ***In the outdoor facility, there was a male Shih Tzu identified as 00070C34D8 "Willie"- DOB 1/4/09 that had an unusual slow gait and slow movements. This male did not wag his tail and would walk just a few steps, then sit down. His eyelids appeared sluggish in that they were only open approximately 3/4 of normal size. His right eye had a thick clear drainage coming from the medial corner draining below the lower eyelid and he was blinking often. There were some wads of matted hair on his feet, chest and stomach areas. These areas were wet and dirty. The facility representative stated that "He is old and probably just wore himself out with that female." This animal had not been examined by a licensed veterinarian. Abnormal gaits or paces can be an indication of discomfort or pain. Drainage from the eyes and blinking can be an indication of discomfort, pain, infection or a serious medical condition. The licensee must have these animal evaluated for appropriate diagnosis and a treatment plan. The treatment plan must be followed. These animals must be seen by licensed veterinarian by close of business February 12, 2015. ***In the sheltered facility, there was a Poodle identified as 95600008678081, a Shih Tzu identified as 9549669000086 and a Shih Tzu identified as Midget that had ropey and wadded mats of hair on their feet, tails, chests, and stomach areas. These areas were wet, dirty and contained debris. Matted hair can cause pain and discomfort to the animal and does not provide the insulation for the animals as intended. The licensee must remove the matted hair from these animals by February 15, 2015. ***The most recent program of veterinary care was dated 12/9/13. The facility representative was unable to provide a medication sheet for the medications used in the facility. The instructions on the program of veterinary care states that Ivomec is to be administered 1cc/10lbs and when asked the facility representative stated that all dogs are given .8cc of Ivomec. Not following the program of veterinary care as directed by the veterinarian can harm the animals or leave them unprotected against sickness and disease. The licensee must have the program of veterinary updated and follow the instructions. ***In the ready to use medication area, there was a bottle Acepromazine Maleate. The facility representative stated that this medication is used to calm some of the dogs during grooming. There are no written instructions by a veterinarian on the use of this medication. This medication had an expiration date of 01/14. There was a bottle of Ivomec stored with a needle inserted into the rubber top, which provides an entry for contaminates into the medication. Medications that are expired, stored improperly or have no instructions of usage by a veterinarian, may not produce the desired result. The licensee must remove the out of date medications from the ready to use medication storage, store medications appropriately and consult a licensed veterinarian for proper instructions on the usage of all medications. The licensee must assure that all of the animals receive adequate veterinary care as required. To be corrected by February 15, 2015.

***There was a young Cocker Spaniel approximately eight months old housed in the facility that was not included on the inventory records (APHIS 7005 form). The facility representative was unable to produce any birth or acquisition records for this animal. Appropriate documentation of acquired animals is essential for proper identification of each animal and each animal must be able to be traced forward and backward. The licensee must make, keep and maintain acquisition records as required. To be corrected by February 24, 2015.

(a) General requirements. (2) Primary enclosures must (ii) Have no sharp points. ***In the indoor portion of the sheltered facilities, there were three enclosures containing six adult dogs that had various wooden surfaces that had been chewed leaving jagged edges exposed to come in contact with the dogs. In one of these enclosures containing two adult Cocker Spaniels, there were nails that had been hammered in only about 1/3 deep, leaving the nail head exposed into the enclosure. Sharp or jagged edges create a potential injury for the animals within the enclosure. The licensee must remove the sharp edges and assure that there are no sharp points or edges in the primary enclosures as required. To be corrected by February 24, 2015.

(c) Surfaces- (2) Maintenance and replacement of surfaces. ***In the outdoor facility there were at least three housing shelters that were chewed around the bottom lip of the floor at the entrance, leaving deep crevices where dirt, grime and hair had collected. One of these shelters had a piece of the shelter under the floor that had detached. There were also at least two enclosures that contained carpet pads that had been chewed and had long strings on them. Chewed edges cannot be properly sanitized and can create a potential exposure that could injure the animals. The licensee must repair or replace these surfaces and assure that surfaces are kept within good repair as required. To be corrected by February 24, 2015.

(b) Shelter from the elements. (3) Be provided with a wind and rain break. ***In the outdoor facility there was a plastic type housing shelter in an enclosure containing one adult dog. This housing shelter had no wind or rain break at the entrance to the house. Wind and rain breaks are vital for protection of the animal from the elements. The licensee must provide a wind and rain break at the entrance of this housing shelter and assure that all outdoor shelters are provided with wind and rain breaks at the entrance as required. To be corrected by February 15, 2015.

(b) Shelter from the elements. ***In the outdoor facility, there was one primary enclosure containing an adult Beagle and an adult Shih Tzu. There was one plastic type housing shelter for these two animals. Inside the housing shelter, there was a black rubber receptacle on the floor which takes up approximately 1/3 of the floor space in the housing shelter. This does not leave enough floor space in this shelter for these two dogs to lie down and move freely. There was a large self feeder, a water receptacle, and another black rubber receptacle within the primary enclosure. Limited floor space in housing shelters can cause animals to be exposed to the outdoor elements more than necessary. The licensee must remove the receptacle from the housing shelter or provide more housing shelters to this enclosure. The license must assure that each animal has enough floor space in housing shelters to allow each dog to move freely and in a normal manner as required. To be corrected by February 15, 2015.

(a) Cleaning of primary enclosures. ***In the outdoor hutch type facility there were two dogs housed in the same enclosure. The housing shelter for this enclosure has fresh, dried and molding feces covering approximately 75% of the floor. There was also grime on the walls of this shelter. Accumulations of waste products increase the risk of disease by attracting pests and providing an unhealthy environment for the animals. The licensee must remove the feces from this shelter and assure that the primary enclosures are cleaned daily as required. To be corrected by February 12, 2015. This inspection began at 1100. The inspection and exit conference were conducted with the facility representative. End of report.

*** The facility had recently acquired several puppies from other licensed facilities. The plastic collar on a few litters only listed the breed of puppy. The collars did not list the required info in 2.51 including the licensed facility number where the dogs originated from, sex of the dog or individual identifying number. This information is an important part of the identification and recordkeeping requirement and needs to be addressed to track the movement of puppies. Correct by: Feb 14, 2015

*** On the required records of animals on hand (form 7005) there were 21 dogs listed with their information but no formal identifying tag or microchip number. The licensee states the dogs are micro-chipped but has not entered the information into the records. These numbers need to be entered into the records in a timely and accurate manner for recordkeeping purposes. Correct by: Feb 21, 2015 An exit briefing was conducted with the licensee at the time of the inspection.

Sec. 3.1 Housing facilities, general. (b)Condition and site. The indoor portion of the dog kennels is full of lumber, tools, and various stored items. The items are piled on top of the indoor kennels, along the walls and in the walkway. The accumulation of these materials in the animal housing facility may harbor vermin or cause injury to the dogs. Animal areas inside of housing facilities must be kept neat and free of clutter, including equipment, furniture and stored material, but may contain materials actually used and necessary for cleaning the area, and fixtures or items not used for the care of the dogs removed. Correct by June 2015. Exit interview conducted with the licensee. This is a digital version of a Word Report.

Section 2.126(b) - A responsible adult was not available to accompany APHIS Officials during the inspection process at 12:30 pm on 02/10/2015.

A covered species was not included in the approved written Program of Veterinary Care (PVC). All covered species should be addressed in the PVC to ensure the facility has a program to follow concerning the care of all the animals. Failure to do so could adversely affect the health and well-being of the animals. A complete and accurate written Program of Veterinary Care with consultation from the attending veterinarian must be in place. Correct by 02/27/2015 Exit interview conducted with facility representatives. Additional Inspectors Lee Jeffrey, Veterinary Medical Officer

I went to the theater in Branson, MO to conduct an inspection at the location where the exhibitor had last been performing. Staff there stated that the exhibitor is no longer performing at that location and that no regulated species of animals were present. A change of business address has not been submitted to the Regional Office. Licensees are required to notify the Regional Office within 10 days of a change in their business address so that inspectors know where to conduct inspections. The licensee must notify the Regional Office by certified mail of his change in business address. TO BE CORRECTED BY FEBRUARY 20, 2015.

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 10:30 on 02/10/2015.