TransViragen

A boar was found by a husbandry staff member with a lower tusk caught in the chain used for enrichment. The boar was released upon discovery. The husbandry staff had evaluated the animals 3 hours prior with no entrapment seen. Immediate veterinary care commenced for the hyperthermic animal. Intensive veterinary care was provided for the animal for 48 hours. Lack of clinical response to intensive treatment and negative trends in diagnostics led to the decision to humanely euthanize the animal. The enrichment chains had been in use for over 8 years with the herd of swine consisting of 10-40 animals at any given time with no adverse events recorded. However, using enrichment items that can cause harm to the animals can result in injury or death of the animal. The regulations state that handling of all animals shall be done as expeditiously and carefully as possible in a manner that does not cause trauma, overheating, excessive cooling, behavioral stress, physical harm, or unnecessary discomfort. All chains were immediately removed from the swine enclosures. Corrected prior to inspection. This inspection and exit interview were conducted with facility representatives. n

Two rabbit kits in different litters sustained rear limb injuries that were determined to be related to the nest boxes in use at that time. The Attending Veterinarian determined that the injuries warranted humane euthanasia. The nest boxes in that area were immediately removed and replaced with different boxes to prevent any possible recurrence. The incident was self-reported to the IACUC. The IACUC thoroughly investigated and concluded that appropriate actions were taken by the husbandry and veterinary staffs to mitigate the unanticipated incident and to prevent future occurrences. The IACUC also recorded that these nest boxes had been in regular use for more than 12 months with no prior negative incidents. OLAW was notified appropriately per PHS policy. OLAW concurred with the actions taken by the university. Nest box issues can lead to increased pain, suffering or death to the young animals contained therein. Per the regulations, indoor and outdoor housing facilities for rabbits shall be structurally sound and shall be maintained in good repair, to protect the animals from injury. Corrected prior to inspection. This inspection and exit interview were conducted with facility representatives. n

Handling. (1) On 10/31/15 a rabbit underwent a routine procedure under sedation and local anesthesia during which the animal moved and vocalized. The procedure was halted to allow additional time for the local anesthetic to take full effect then the procedure was completed and the rabbit was returned to its enclosure. No lameness or other abnormality were observed in the rabbit at the conclusion of the procedure or after it was back in its enclosure. The following day the rabbit was noted to have difficulty moving and was immediately examined by veterinary staff who determined the animal had paralysis and had no deep pain perception in both hind legs. Spinal fracture was diagnosed and the rabbit was euthanized. The incident was reported to the IACUC by veterinary technical staff and an investigation was conducted. Although it could not be determined exactly how the spinal fracture happened, the IACUC concluded that it most likely happened during the routine procedure or when the rabbit was returned to its enclosure. Per this Section of the Regulations, handling of animals shall be done as carefully as possible in a manner that does not cause trauma, behavioral stress, physical harm, or unnecessary discomfort. The IACUC acted promptly to address this item by conducting an investigation, reporting the incident to OLAW and USDA, and swiftly implementing appropriate corrective actions to prevent any future incidents. Corrective actions included provided re-training of personnel in the restraint and handling of rabbits. No additional incidents have occurred. Item (1) has been corrected. (2) During the inspection of investigator laboratory space, laboratory personnel described the steps taken when the animals are brought to the laboratory. They stated that the gerbils (contained in an appropriate primary enclosure) are placed inside a cabinet for several minutes following the administration of injectable anesthetic while the drugs take effect. There were a variety of laboratory items stored inside the cabinet including containers of chemicals, gallon bottles of solutions, glassware, and other miscellaneous supplies. Per this Section of the Regulations, handling of animals shall be done as carefully as possible in a manner that does not cause behavioral stress or unnecessary discomfort. It is not appropriate to place enclosures containing animals inside cabinets that are being used to store equipment and supplies. Animals should be housed in areas of the facility designated for animal housing that are kept neat and free of clutter, equipment and stored materials. Item (2) was corrected prior to the end of inspection by the IACUC requiring the investigator to immediately discontinue the practice of placing gerbils inside the cabinet while the anesthetic drugs take effect and to put the animals in an area of the laboratory space designated and appropriately maintained for the temporary housing of animals.