citation_inspection

The registrant uses Freunds complete adjuvant followed by Freunds incomplete adjuvant for antibody production. The adjuvants are injected SQ (and ID) into the rabbits on the right side of their body. Freunds adjuvants (complete & incomplete) are known to produce abscesses &/or granulomas at the site of injections. A random sampling of approx 25 injected rabbits were selected and felt for any SQ hard or soft swellings, abscesses, lumps &/or nodules. Rabbits # 32972, 3205, 331138, 31923, 32770, 3773, 32700 32470, 31510 & 33080 had these types of swellings, & lumps ranging from pea size to grape size (one of the rabbits had a quarter size lump). The exact etiology of these lumps could not be determined during the inspection and will need further veterinary examinations. There was no redness, ulceration, hair loss, or other skin abnormalities on the skin surface in the areas of the lumps/swellings. The registrant has an SOP for the treatment of abscesses & granulomas, but these rabbits did not appear to have the treatment outlined in the SOPs since these lumps have not definitively been diagnosed as abscesses. The sites for the injections of adjuvants are not shaved & the skin is not aseptically prepared prior to the injections. There was no records to demonstrate when & the frequency of follow-up observations/palpations after the injections are being performed to determine if there are any subsequent swelling that might have formed after the injections and to determine if they are treatable or preventable. A research facility shall employ the use of appropriate methods to prevent, control, diagnose, and treat injuries. Have your veterinarian examine these types of SQ lumps/abscesses observed & treat accordingly. Discuss with your veterinarian about aseptically preparing the injection sites to prevent (or reduce these lumps/swellings) &/or subsequent treatments should these swellings/abscesses/lumps occur in the future. Establish & document a routine for checking the animals post treatment and record care accordingly. Have your veterinarian examine these (as well as others) to determine the etiology and treatments if warranted. Correct by October 1, 2016 This inspection and exit interview were conducted with the Institional Official.

The metal fence panels or gates that are temporarily placed in the halls and rooms in ADS to guide the pigs to different locations are not stable. The panels are not attached to the walls and are free standing which allows them to easily be knocked down upon contact. Should pigs be present when they fall they may become injured. The structures shall be secured to protect the pigs from injury. Correct by October 22, 2016.

In the pig housing area in ADS there are large metal automatic feeders. The first feeder to the left upon entering the room has caked, discolored feed on upper inside surfaces. Improper cleaning and sanitization of the feeders may result in food contamination and illness. All feeders shall be cleaned and sanitized using appropriate procedures to prevent contamination and protect the well-being of the pigs. There are large plastic/fiberglass feeders in the dairy side of ADS. The lids on the feeders and the front edges have been repaired with plywood. Plywood is porous and will allow material to become embedded in it. Porous material cannot be completely cleaned and sanitized which may allow the growth of bacteria, mold, etc. causing contamination of the feed. The feeders shall be removed, replaced, or properly repaired to prevent contamination of the feed and protect the health and well-being of the animals. Correct by October 22, 2016.

At least 5 of the camelids - 34397, 44652, 34490, 38876, and 32376 - need nail trims. Some of the nails are overgrown to the point that the toes are distorted from their normal position. Records for 34397 do not show any nail trims between 9/11/12 and 12/11/14. He was trimmed on 12/11. He was next trimmed on 9/24/2015, then on 12/30/2015, then 2/17/2016, 8/10/2016, and again on the day of inspection after the situation was pointed out. Records for 44652 show he was trimmed on 1/8/2015, 3/19/2015, 9/24/2015,12/30/2015, and 2/24/2016. On 8/24/2016, the record says his claws were overgrown and breaking, and a trim was performed. He was trimmed again on the day of inspection after the situation was pointed out. Records for 34490 show she was trimmed 9/16/2013, 9/15/2014, and 12/11/2014. Entry on 5/29/2015 says "overgrown hooves," but doesn't note that they were trimmed. A trim is documented on 7/8/2015, 12/9/2015, and 1/28/2016. On 9/1/2016, it is noted that she had "Overgrown front nails, trimmed nails." Nails were trimmed again on the day of inspection after the situation was pointed out. Records for 38876 show no nail trims between 9/14/2012 and 9/16/2013 when she was trimmed. She was next trimmed on 2/4/2016, 3/16/2016, and on the day of inspection. Records for 32376 show no trims from 9/10/2013 and 9/15/2014 when they were trimmed. He was next trimmed on 12/9/2015, 8/31/2016, 9/14/2016, and on the day of inspection when long nails were pointed out. The records of these five animals show that trimming is inconsistent in frequency, and likely quality. Improved supervision of the personnel doing the trimming should be implemented. Overgrown nails to this extent can cause discomfort to the animal and the misalignment it causes can contribute to degenerative joint disease. Animals that have progressed to the point of anatomical distortion need frequent corrective trimming to get and maintain them as close to normal as is possible. Corrected on the day of inspection. This inspection and exit interview were conducted with facility personnel on 9/21/2016, and additional information review and exit briefing was conducted on 9/26/2016 with LARC and IACUC personnel.

One puppy was not identified by an official USDA identification method (cage card, tag, or plastic collar). Lack of official identification does not allow for the proper identification or tracking of the animals. Correct by identifying all puppies with an official USDA method of identification.

Excessive rust development remains on three inside metal door flaps in the enclosures of the inside/outside building. The presence of rust can prevent the surfaces from being properly cleaned and sanitized. Eliminate the rust from the metal door flaps. This inspection and exit interview were conducted with the licensee. Additional Inspectors Wilken Kevin, Animal Care Inspector

There was a large number of bees present throughout the facility affecting several animal enclosures. The facility representative stated that a general pest control company has attempted to control the bees but there has been no effect at reducing or eliminating their numbers. Insects such as bees may pose a health risk to the animals through stings or possible allergic reactions. Additionally insects may present health risks by contaminating food sources. Adequate control of insects and other pests is needed to protect the well-being of the animals and to reduce contamination and potential disease hazards. An effective program of pest control must be established and maintained. Correct by 10/10/2016. This inspection and exit interview were conducted with a facility representative.

Standing water (approximately six feet in diameter) and mud surround the elevated llama food tub. The two llamas share an enclosure with one sheep and three goats. Their food tub is elevated to prevent the other animals from ingesting their food. The llamas must walk through the mud and standing water to gain access to their food. Excessive standing water and mud could cause injury to the animals. A suitable method shall be provided to eliminate excess water around the food tub. To be corrected: 10-21-16

Excessive dirt and dried mud are smeared on the interior walls inside of the wallaby shelter. Additionally, the majority of the floor in the wallaby shelter is wet. The floor also has dirt and compacted feces on it. Finally, the wallaby has a burlap sack and a small chair inside of its shelter. Both are wet and soiled. Wet, soiled floors and fixtures within the wallaby shelter could cause the animal to become ill. Thoroughly clean and sanitize the affected areas of the shelter and repeat often enough to prevent build up. To be corrected: 9-26-16 This inspection and exit interview were conducted with the facility representative.

Three older dogs (1222989, 1317645, 1329970) were observed to have severe calculi and gingivitis, with additional debris and fur caught between the cheek teeth and gumline on dog 1329970. The normal tooth structure cannot be identified under the calculi and tartar. Dental issues can be painful, may decrease the dog's ability to eat normally and negatively impact the overall health of the animal. Animals with health concerns should receive prompt veterinary care that is appropriate for their circumstances. In these cases, the facility had noted mild to moderate tartar and gingivitis on the previous exam in Oct 2015, but these animals have not received any treatment. Although the facility recently started a program of dental treatment, with another dog receiving a dental treatment earlier this month, the three dogs cited here have not received appropriate care. Several pigs had bandages to protect indwelling catheters that were soiled or loose, resulting in the catheter itself or the site where the catheter exited the skin being exposed to contamination. The catheter sites or catheters should be maintained to prevent contamination and infection. The bandages or jackets are not being changed or maintained to prevent contamination. During a surgical procedure for a covered species, the emergency drug box included lidocaine, calcium gluconate and dopamine that were past their expiration dates. In a drug cabinet located adjacent to a surgical suite, expired drugs were observed to be stored intermingled with in-date drugs. These drugs were removed at time of inspection. Expired drugs should be labeled and separated from in-date drugs and or medical material to minimize the potential for misuse, which could be detrimental to the well-being of the animals. Several pigs had excessively long hooves that needed to be trimmed. Overgrown hooves can cause discomfort and lameness. The failure to use appropriate methods to prevent, control, diagnose, and treat diseases or injuries may negatively impact the well-being and quality of life of the animals. The facility should ensure that all animals receive appropriate veterinary care.

The floors of 2 dog enclosures in room B14 are of slatted construction. The gaps between each individual slat is approximately 6/8 of an inch and is wide enough for the breed of dog housed in this enclosure to get their feet caught. It was observed the dogs were spreading digits to keep from going through the openings in the floor. This may lead to injury of their limbs and/or discomfort for the animals. The two dogs were moved out of these enclosures at the time of inspection. Primary dog enclosures must be constructed and maintained so that the floors protects the dogs' feet and legs from injury, and that, if constructed of mesh or slatted construction, do not allow the dogs' feet or digits to pass through any openings in the floor.

Sec. 3.1 Housing facilities, general. At time of inspection one outside dog house housing two dogs had a hole in the top of the roof. This means the house is not in good repair. The licensee must ensure that all surfaces are kept in good repair and protect the animals from injury at all times. To be corrected by 10-10-16.

A responsible adult was not available to accompany APHIS Officials during the inspection process at 11:45 am on 21-Sep-16. The inspector knocked on the house door, honked, called the facility phone number on record, left a message, waited thirty minutes, and then left when nobody arrived home.

The enclosure housing two pigs has excessive wet, soiled straw. The area (approximately 2x3 ft in diameter) of wet, soiled straw is located on the left, front on the enclosure and adjacent to the pigs feeding container. Several flies were present on/in the soiled straw during the time of inspection. Soiled, wet bedding attracts flies and can cause animal illness. Remove and clean the affected area of the pig enclosure to minimize flies and promote animal health. To be corrected: 9-23-16 This inspection and exit interview were conducted with the employee.

An enclosure containing two rabbits had chicken wire on one wall where the top half of it was hanging down with multiple sharp points sticking out into the enclosure. Sharp points in an enclosure could potentially cause injury to the animals within that enclosure. The enclosure shall be maintained in good repair to protect the animals from injury. Correct by 9/28/16.

The enclosure housing two lemurs has a hole dug at the fence line and partially under a concrete platform. The digging appeared to be from the inside and there is a risk that if the hole is expanded it would enable the lemurs to escape or allow other animals to enter the enclosure. Housing facilities for nonhuman primates must be designed and constructed so that they are structurally sound for the species of nonhuman primates housed in them. They must be kept in good repair, and they must protect the animals from injury, contain the animals securely, and restrict other animals from entering. Correct by September 24, 2016.

*** There was a large amount of peanut hull waste near and around the enclosure housing a rhesus macaque named "Baby" and a bonnet macaque named "Sophie". When asked about this debris, the facility representative said that this was raked out of the primate enclosure and she considered it as mulch. However, the quantity of this food waste was significant and the material had not been composted or processed in anyway and it was clearly identifiable as peanuts and hulls. Additionally, the process described to the inspectors indicates that other excreta and waste was likely included in the debris and not just the peanut hulls. This creates a sanitation concern that could potentially have disease or health risks for the animals including the potential for attracting pests and vermin. Housing facility operators must provide for regular and frequent collection, removal, and disposal of animal and food wastes, bedding, dead animals, debris, garbage, water, and any other fluids and wastes, in a manner that minimizes contamination and disease risk. Correct by October 14, 2016.

*** The den walls for the tiger "Magoo" was made of wood landscape timbers. Some of the timbers were rotten and crumbling and had holes in them. The weakness of the walls could cause a break posing the risk of escape or injury. *** The enclosure for the leopard "Jack" had a bench in the sheltered den area which had deteriorating and splintering wood which could cause injury to the animal. The outdoor enclosure for this same leopard had a broken and splintering landscape timber in one of the resting platforms. Broken and splintering wood poses a risk of injury. *** The the enclosure housing three Patagonian cavies and several tortoises had a very large tortoise burrow in one corner about 2 to 3 feet away from the fence line. The burrow was very deep and the end could not be visualized causing concern that the tunnel may go under the fence. The burrow so close to the fence creates a risk of potential escape or injury to the cavies if the surface were to potentially cave-in. *** The enclosure housing two prairie dogs has sharp pointed wires bending into the enclosure which could cause injury. There is also a rotten landscape timber in the wall that has a very large hole on the outside that is almost full thickness into the enclosure and which could create a hole where the animals could escape. There is no wire, panel or other structure on the inside that would prevent the formation of a through and through gap if the decayed area of wood spreads further. ***In the enclosure housing four black bears there is a large chunk of concrete with a wood post sticking out. This debris in the enclosure poses and injury hazard to the bears. Additionally, the bear den area has damaged wood on two bench platforms which could pose an injury hazard from splinters. The den area was dark and there was not sufficient light to properly inspect, or for the keepers to assess their cleaning, without supplemental light from the flashlights. The inspectors had to use flashlights, a small light on the wall and the camera flashes to at least get a partial assessment of this enclosure. *** The wolf primary enclosure has a very large excavation in the ground at the fence line of the lock-out portion of the enclosure. A portion of this large hole, which is big enough for the wolf to fit in, extends under the fence and there is a risk of a gap opening up that would allow the wolf to escape. ***In "Namib" the black leopards night house there was bowing of the floor panel creating concern that there is separation of the wood from the rest of the structure. The night house is not contained within the primary fencing but is an extension of the primary enclosure. If the floor gives way and the animal were to escape it would be a major concern for the public and ultimately the animal. Other large cats enclosures at this facility have a similar design with wood dens that are extensions of primary enclosures, which creates general containment concerns since decaying wood is not secure. Namib's disposition, displaying aggression and tearing at the fencing raises additional concerns. The housing facilities must be repaired and/or replaced and should be maintained and kept structurally sound to protect and contain the animals.

** On the perimeter fence in front of Special the tigers primary enclosure there was an object hanging that appeared to be a large chunk of dried meat. Once the object was removed by the facility representative it appeared to have muscle fibers which is indicative of flesh. The meat was dried onto the fence and had to be removed by poking it with a stick therefore it had apparently been there for some time. It was never observed by the facility. Food waste and dead animals shall be removed to minimize vermin infestation, odors, and disease hazards. It was corrected at the time of the inspection. ** There was a large piece of meat in Special the tigers enclosure on her platform. The meat was discolored and had a dark appearance, the fat appeared to be melting and the flesh was decomposing and breaking down. The facility stated that they fed the cat the night before.There were also two other pieces of meat in her lock-in that looked the same but had flies swarming and a foul odor. The cat tried to eat the meat in the back but dropped it and backed away. Food waste should be removed to minimize vermin infestation, odors, and disease hazards. Correct by September 29, 2016.

*** The was an excessive amount of feces within the bobcats primary enclosure. The feces was pushed to the edges of the front and sides of the enclosure but were dried, old and discolored. Some piles were decomposing on the ground and blended in with the debris from the trees and leaves.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. Correct by September 24, 2016 *** There was an excessive amount of feces, strong urine odor and stains in the shaded shelter within 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. It was corrected by the exit interview.

** Based on new and repeat non-compliant items cited during this inspection and previous inspections, as well as the fact that there is only one paid full time employee and one voluntary full time employee, it does not appear that the licensee has an adequate number of employees to carry out an acceptable level of animal husbandry and maintenance for this facility. Without adequate personnel or time to properly perform the required functions of a licensee, the facility can fall into further disrepair, waste and debris can accumulate, and the animals may not receive adequate care causing negative health and sanitary issues to occur. The licensee must have adequate labor to provide adequate husbandry for the animals no later than October 22, 2016 This inspection was conducted with the facility representative, Dr. Annette Chapman, VMO, Dr. Suzan Loerzel, VMO and IES Investigator. The exit interview was conducted with facility representative, Dr. Annette Chapman, VMO and Dr. Suzan Loerzel, VMO. Additional Inspectors Loerzel Suzan, Veterinary Medical Officer

A responsible adult was not available to accompany APHIS Officials during the inspection process at 2:43 PM on 21-Sep-16. The inspector spoke to a resident at the property who stated the licensee and facility representative were not home. The inspector then called the phone number provided. The facility representative stated that no one was available for an inspection today.

At the time of this inspection, the records were reviewed. However, they were not complete. The most recent acquisitions, dispositions, deaths and births were not documented. All records need to be kept current and accurate. ***To Be Corrected By: October 8, 2016

At the time of this inspection 2 rabbit hutches were being used to house 10 rabbits in one and 9 rabbits in the other. The hutches were 66" x 26" which measures out to be ~ 12 sq feet. The rabbits being housed were in the 4.4 lbs - 8.8 lbs range. Therefore, each rabbit needs to be given 3 sq ft of floor space. These two hutches were obviously too small for the number of animals that they were housing. This situation will need to be addressed. ***To Be Corrected By: Oct 1, 2016

The wood wall between the chicken and pig enclosures is in need of repair. The wall was constructed of three ply wood sheets. The middle panel had damage to the bottom left side. This area was approximately one foot long and had jagged edges. To ensure that the animals are not injured, or further damage the wood paneling and escape the primary enclosure, this area will need to be addressed. ***To Be Corrected By: October 8, 2016

When the goats, lambs, pigs and rabbits are removed from the property they are transported in Vari Kennels. During this inspection it was noted that several of the crates did not have "Live Animal" labels or arrows indicating the correct upright position. All crates need to be labeled correctly. ***To Be Corrected By: October 8, 2016 This inspection and exit interview were conducted with the licensee. Additional Inspectors Gowins Jessica, Veterinary Medical Officer

Since the previous inspection on March 8, 2016, records of animal births and deaths were not maintained for the guinea pigs. Records must be kept on animal births and deaths for animal tracking, assessment of the animal care program, and to comply with the Animal Welfare regulations. The licensee must ensure that records on animal births and deaths are kept and maintained. Correct from this day forward. This inspection and exit interview were conducted with the owner.

A responsible adult was not available to accompany APHIS Officials during the inspection process at 2:07 pm on 21-Sep-16. Inspector contacted licensee by phone.

The program of veterinary care form that was reviewed today will need to be updated. All the animals on the premise were not documented on this form. The document does not include the use of appropriate methods to prevent, control, diagnose, and treat diseases and injuries, and the availability of emergency, weekend, and holiday care. To ensure that the animals are provided appropriate veterinary care this document needs to be updated. ***To Be Corrected By: October 10, 2016

The chain link fenced gate of the sheep, goats, calf and alpaca primary enclosure was in need of repair. The chain link gate had metal support poles on all four sides. However, the chain link was detaching from the bottom support posts. This is allowing for an approximate 6 inch gap. To ensure that the animals are not injured on the gate and fencing, it should be properly secured. ***To Be Corrected By: September 22, 2016

A responsible adult was not available to accompany APHIS Officials during the inspection process at 0830 on 21-Sep-16. Inspector arrived at facility site at 0830, but the door was locked and there was no response when the bell was rung. Attempted to call the phone number but apparently that line is no longer functional. There was another phone number on the door of the facility, so that was called. This led to an automated phone directory - message was left at a specific extension. Waited for approximately 1 hour but there was no response. A second phone call was placed at 1330 hours and another message left on the main line. Returned to facility site at approximately 1530 hours but the building was locked and there was no response to the bell. There were no return calls from the facility.

Written Program of Veterinary Care. 1. The written Program of Veterinary Care (PVC) dated 5/5/14 available for review was incomplete. New species of animals have been acquired by the Licensee since the PVC was prepared (skunk, sugar gliders, fennec fox, and degu) but none of these species of animals are mentioned in the PVC. In addition, insufficient detail is provided for the methods of routine parasite control to be used for the animals (drug, dose, route of administration). Per this Section of the Regulations, the written PVC should include complete information about the methods to be used to prevent and control diseases for each species of animal held by the licensee (including vaccines routinely administered and any other recommended health practices), and should be updated whenever new species of animals are added or whenever changes to recommended methods are made. The written PVC needs to be updated to reflect the new species of animals and to include the additional details of recommended medical care. Correct by 10/31/16.

Indoor housing facilities. ***The skunk is being housed in a pen that has sides made using a flexible metal fencing for the front and right-hand sides, and the corner walls of the animal room make up the left-hand and back sides; the floor of the pen is the wall-to-wall carpet that covers the floor of the animal room. The carpet next to the walls inside the skunk’s enclosure has been pulled up and and away from the wall and there are strings of carpet material present along the edges of the carpet, and the skunk has been using the surface of the carpet to urinate and defecate on. In addition, there is an uncovered electrical outlet on the wall inside the pen at a level that is accessible to the skunk. Per this Section of the Regulations, indoor housing facilities should be constructed of material appropriate for the animals and should be maintained in good repair to protect the animals from injury. Wall-to-wall carpet is not an appropriate substrate for the floor of an enclosure for a skunk. Skunks have strong forelegs and long nails that make them excellent diggers who dig holes in the search of food when they do not live in captivity. The frayed edges of the carpet pose a hazard to the animal if ingested and the carpet cannot be readily cleaned and sanitized. An uncovered electrical outlet that is accessible to the animal when inside its enclosure can lead to an electrical shock. The Licensee needs to: (#1) modify the skunk’s enclosure to ensure the safety of the animal and to ensure that the enclosure can be readily cleaned and sanitized until (#2) a new enclosure can be built that is more appropriate for this species of animal. Correct (#1) by 10/1/16 and Correct (#2) by 10/31/16. ***The fabric hammock inside the degu enclosure was noted to be excessively worn from chewing by the animal and had some frayed edges and holes that pose a hazard to the animal from ingestion of the frayed fabric fibers or from possible entrapment of a limb. Per this Section of the Regulations, indoor housing facilities should be constructed of material appropriate for the animals and should be maintained in good repair to protect the animals from injury. The hammock needs to be removed from the enclosure and if a new hammock is provided, it should be removed or replaced when it is worn. Correct immediately.

A responsible adult was not available to accompany APHIS Officials during the inspection process at 1:45 p.m. on 21-Sep-16.During that time, the inspector knocked on the door of the house on the property. The inspector called the phone number on file and left a message asking for a call back to discuss hours of availability. The inspector then waited 30 min in the driveway before leaving the property. Lack of availability for inspection prevents any oversight by APHIS Officials in enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act. Correct by establishing optimal hours for inspection with the home inspector, and ensuring that a responsible adult is available during those times for inspection. Correct from this time forward.

A responsible adult was not available to accompany APHIS Officials during the inspection process at 1:30p and 3:20p on 21-SEP-16. Knocked on door, honked horn, hollered towards dog building and waited 30 minutes. MDA inspector was also along for inspection.