To the editor:
Steve Ackerman and Jon Levine’s op-ed was misleading. (Humane research will help stop the virus. Nov 21, 2020.) They falsely assert that research using animals at the university is “humane, well-regulated, transparent.” The USDA Office of the Inspector General has repeatedly noted problems with the regulation of animal research and has found that the small fines levied by regulators, even when serious violations have been discovered, are considered by the labs as just a cost of doing business. [https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/33002-03-SF.pdf] The university’s recent $74,000 fine is a case in point. The UW’s National Primate Research Center alone receives about $10 million a year. The lie is put to notion that the research is humane simply by watching the videos of the disturbed monkeys brought to light by Peta’s undercover investigation. And transparent? When a single video referenced in a scientific paper was requested under Wisconsin’s public records law, the university shredded 628 videos and uncounted photographs and documents; they clearly didn’t want them to be seen by the public. [https://isthmus.com/news/news/primate-tapes-get-trashed/] There is much about the op-ed that is misleading but space does not allow a full discussion. Rick Bogle
Wednesday, December 9, 2020
Wisconsin State Journal Shields University Officials From Embarrassment.
A letter they refused to print:
Thursday, October 8, 2020
Kids or Monkeys?
An essay I wrote in 1998-ish
Ending Child Poverty
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates 181.6 million underweight pre-school aged children among the world’s developing nations. WHO estimates there are 210.5 million stunted pre-school aged children and 46.1 million wasted pre-school aged children living in the world’s developing nations.
The World Health Organization summarizes its concerns, “Our findings confirm the great magnitude of undernutrition which, more than any other disability, continues to hamper the physical growth and mental development of more than a third of the world's children. Indeed, it is a major threat to their very survival.” [emphasis added]
The National Center for Children in Poverty at the Joseph L. Mailman School of Public Health of Columbia University reports that,
The number of American young children living in poverty increased from 3.5 million in 1979 to 5.2 million in 1997. The young child poverty rate grew by 20 percent during that same period.
22 percent of young children in America live in poverty, i.e., in families with incomes below the federal poverty line ($12,802 for a family of three in 1997).
Researchers have gathered new evidence on the importance of the first years of life for children's emotional and intellectual development. (Shore, 1997) Unfortunately, millions of American children are poor during these crucial years. Almost one in four (24 percent) of America's children under age three lived in poverty in 1995. These 2.8 million poor children face a greater risk of impaired brain development due to their exposure to a number of risk factors associated with poverty.
Children deprived of proper nutrition during the brain's most formative years score much lower on tests of vocabulary, reading comprehension, arithmetic, and general knowledge. The more severe the poverty a child faces, the lower his or her nutritional level is likely to be.
Exposure to neurotoxins such as lead causes brain damage and stunts the growth of the brain. 55 percent of African American children living in poverty have toxic levels of lead in their blood.
Experiences of trauma or abuse during the first years of life result in extreme anxiety, depression, and/or the inability to form healthy attachments to others. Another troubling effect of early trauma is that it leads to a significantly higher propensity for violence later in life. The stressors that face poor families cause much more trauma for their children.
WHAT CAN BE DONE?
Reduce the Poverty Rate, says the National Center for Children in Poverty.
World Vision is the largest child sponsorship organization in the world according to their current television campaign to raise money for children in poverty. Spokespersons Kathy Lee Gifford and Alex Trebek tell viewers that $22 a month in donations will give one child living in poverty the food they need to have a chance for healthy development.
The Christian Children’s Fund asks for only $0.80 per day, or $24 a month to lift a child from hunger.
Feed the Children, an organization dedicated to feeding the most impoverished children in America, says they can move 1000 pounds of food for a donation of only $10 a month.
Look at these figures from another perspective. David Amaral, a researcher at the California Regional Primate Research Center in Davis, California and Ned Kalin, a researcher at the Wisconsin Regional Primate Research Center in Madison, Wisconsin received a combined total of $579,487 tax dollars in 1998. They were paid to inject chemicals into the brains of young monkeys. These chemicals were injected into the region of the brain associated with basic emotions such as fear.
This means that approximately 724,359 children were left in poverty last year so that Amaral and Kalin could study methods of disrupting normal emotional development in monkeys.
In 1997 the National Institutes of Health spent $114,502,974 to keep researchers at the seven Regional Primate Research Centers working at projects like Kalin's and Amaral's. Researchers worked to clone monkeys, addict them to cocaine, poison them with alcohol, infect them with monkey viruses, and study why so many monkeys in laboratories mutilate themselves. This $114 million was only a portion of the total spent by the federal government to experiment on primates. Most major universities have projects using primates underway. It would not be unreasonable to estimate that the total figure used in this line of research is today approaching $200 million dollars.
But, using the 1997 figures and using only the total consumed by the seven NIH centers that year, about 143 million children who could have been saved were left in poverty. So, these scientists could achieve no larger impact than demanding that the primate centers be closed immediately and the money allocated to them be immediately targeted to end the ravishes of child poverty. By simply closing the primate centers stunting and wasting could be nearly eliminated among the world's children.
And, by closing only one primate center, child poverty in the U.S. could be ended.
What the researchers will do remains to be seen.
Ending Child Poverty
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates 181.6 million underweight pre-school aged children among the world’s developing nations. WHO estimates there are 210.5 million stunted pre-school aged children and 46.1 million wasted pre-school aged children living in the world’s developing nations.
The World Health Organization summarizes its concerns, “Our findings confirm the great magnitude of undernutrition which, more than any other disability, continues to hamper the physical growth and mental development of more than a third of the world's children. Indeed, it is a major threat to their very survival.” [emphasis added]
The National Center for Children in Poverty at the Joseph L. Mailman School of Public Health of Columbia University reports that,
The number of American young children living in poverty increased from 3.5 million in 1979 to 5.2 million in 1997. The young child poverty rate grew by 20 percent during that same period.
22 percent of young children in America live in poverty, i.e., in families with incomes below the federal poverty line ($12,802 for a family of three in 1997).
Researchers have gathered new evidence on the importance of the first years of life for children's emotional and intellectual development. (Shore, 1997) Unfortunately, millions of American children are poor during these crucial years. Almost one in four (24 percent) of America's children under age three lived in poverty in 1995. These 2.8 million poor children face a greater risk of impaired brain development due to their exposure to a number of risk factors associated with poverty.
Children deprived of proper nutrition during the brain's most formative years score much lower on tests of vocabulary, reading comprehension, arithmetic, and general knowledge. The more severe the poverty a child faces, the lower his or her nutritional level is likely to be.
Exposure to neurotoxins such as lead causes brain damage and stunts the growth of the brain. 55 percent of African American children living in poverty have toxic levels of lead in their blood.
Experiences of trauma or abuse during the first years of life result in extreme anxiety, depression, and/or the inability to form healthy attachments to others. Another troubling effect of early trauma is that it leads to a significantly higher propensity for violence later in life. The stressors that face poor families cause much more trauma for their children.
WHAT CAN BE DONE?
Reduce the Poverty Rate, says the National Center for Children in Poverty.
World Vision is the largest child sponsorship organization in the world according to their current television campaign to raise money for children in poverty. Spokespersons Kathy Lee Gifford and Alex Trebek tell viewers that $22 a month in donations will give one child living in poverty the food they need to have a chance for healthy development.
The Christian Children’s Fund asks for only $0.80 per day, or $24 a month to lift a child from hunger.
Feed the Children, an organization dedicated to feeding the most impoverished children in America, says they can move 1000 pounds of food for a donation of only $10 a month.
Look at these figures from another perspective. David Amaral, a researcher at the California Regional Primate Research Center in Davis, California and Ned Kalin, a researcher at the Wisconsin Regional Primate Research Center in Madison, Wisconsin received a combined total of $579,487 tax dollars in 1998. They were paid to inject chemicals into the brains of young monkeys. These chemicals were injected into the region of the brain associated with basic emotions such as fear.
This means that approximately 724,359 children were left in poverty last year so that Amaral and Kalin could study methods of disrupting normal emotional development in monkeys.
In 1997 the National Institutes of Health spent $114,502,974 to keep researchers at the seven Regional Primate Research Centers working at projects like Kalin's and Amaral's. Researchers worked to clone monkeys, addict them to cocaine, poison them with alcohol, infect them with monkey viruses, and study why so many monkeys in laboratories mutilate themselves. This $114 million was only a portion of the total spent by the federal government to experiment on primates. Most major universities have projects using primates underway. It would not be unreasonable to estimate that the total figure used in this line of research is today approaching $200 million dollars.
But, using the 1997 figures and using only the total consumed by the seven NIH centers that year, about 143 million children who could have been saved were left in poverty. So, these scientists could achieve no larger impact than demanding that the primate centers be closed immediately and the money allocated to them be immediately targeted to end the ravishes of child poverty. By simply closing the primate centers stunting and wasting could be nearly eliminated among the world's children.
And, by closing only one primate center, child poverty in the U.S. could be ended.
What the researchers will do remains to be seen.
Sunday, October 4, 2020
A Deafening Silence
Peta recently released videos taken by an undercover investigator working as an animal care technician at the Wisconsin National Primate Resarch Center, a part of the University of Wisconsin, Madison. The university was outraged.
But why should they have been angry if, as they are wont to say, the animals they use are all well treated? Informed observers will recognize that their outrage is really nothing more than embarrassment. The people who work in the labs don't want outsiders seeing what they do, seeing the animals' bleak cages, seeing the suffering our tax dollars pay for. They don't want their neighbor knitting their brow when they seem them.
The university has a long history of doing everything in its power to keep us from learning what is going on in its labs. In this regard, they are just like every other animal lab in the world. They all operate in the same way.
A Deafening Silence [originally published in Primate Freedom Project’s Fall, 2006 issue of The Congressional Educator] Scientific advancement often arrives as a stunning discovery. But stunning discoveries are the result of years of accumulated data. Any loss of this accumulated knowledge could be irreplaceable. The willful destruction of years of accumulated data is a crime against science and humanity itself. Yet, when the University of Wisconsin-Madison destroyed sixty boxes of videotapes of its experiments on monkeys, the absence of outrage from the academic community was deafening. Worse, the tapes were destroyed to stop people from learning what was occurring in the university’s labs. So, not only were years of accumulated observation and records lost forever, but also, the destruction was motivated by the university’s fear of an educated citizenry. How did this happen? Scientific American published a special edition titled “The Hidden Mind” on August 31, 2002. On page 72, there was a revised version of a 1993 Scientific American article titled “The Neurobiology of Fear” written by Dr. Ned Kalin, a primate vivisector and chairman of the university’s Department of Psychiatry. [Kalin is still the Chair] In the article, Kalin explained that monkeys from a few days old up to twelve weeks old were separated from the mothers and subjected to three fear-inducing conditions and that the events were videotaped. We wrote to the university requesting copies of these videotapes under authority of Wisconsin’s open records statute. Our requests were ignored. Under a different name, we again requested copies of the videos a few months later and finally received a denial of our request. In 2005, we read a paper written in 2000, by Ruth Benca, a psychiatrist at UW-Madison [now at UC Irvine], Ned Kalin, and others in the journal Brain Research, titled “Effects of amygdala lesions on sleep in rhesus monkeys.” Benca et. al. explained that monkeys who had been used in Kalin’s experimental brain mutilations were strapped into restraint chairs overnight. Some of these monkeys were videotaped throughout the night. Through a local attorney, we wrote to the university requesting copies of these videotapes. Shortly thereafter, in a letter dated December 13, 2005, senior UW legal counsel John Dowling formally denied our request. We were able to interest a local weekly newspaper in this problem. The news editor, Bill Lueders, is also president of the Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council. When Mr. Lueders requested the tapes he was told: “They may have been damaged in a plumbing accident.” In a letter to the newspaper dated July 6, 2006, Downing stated: “The videotapes and photographs in question were damaged, along with other data, when a steam valve broke on 1/18/05 releasing water and steam into the storage area. After the required time to keep these data had elapsed, they were destroyed.” The newspaper reported: “But the UW provided no information as to what was damaged, or how badly. ‘I don’t know,’ says Dowling, when asked if the damage made it impossible to view the tapes. He also doesn’t know what his own letter means in saying that the tapes were destroyed ‘after the required time.’ He assumes this language, provided by others, refers to some records retention schedule.” In our April request, we noted that the Wisconsin open records law prohibits the destruction of a requested record at least 60 days after access is denied. The tapes were destoyed 62 days after Dowling’s denial of the newspaper’s request. A record provided by the UW to the paper stated that 60 boxes of videotapes had been shredded on February 13, 2006. A system completely out of balance If activists had gained entry to the facility and had destroyed the tapes, it is likely that the university would have loudly claimed that the cure for childhood cancer had been lost and that the people responsible were terrorists. On May 23, 2006, another UW primate vivisector, Michelle Basso, another monkey brain mutilator [now at UCLA], testified before the House Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security in support of the Animal Enterprise Protection Act: “I received a magazine to which I did not subscribe. Then I received a couple more magazines. I started to receive statements from magazine companies and other mail-order paraphernalia. I have a right o live free of fear.” So, vivisectors want people who send them unwanted magazine subscriptions to go to jail, but at the same time, don’t want the public to know what is going on in the labs and feel perfectly justified in shredding boxes of primary data in order to keep the public in the dark. The simple fact that the vivisection community has remained quiet about the loss of the primary data in the videotapes, and simultaneously lobbied for stiffer penalties for those who call attention to their activities should be sufficient reason to question any claims they might make. If they are willing to shred data to keep it hidden from the public, why should anyone believe them when they claim that they are humane or that their research matters one whit? Their shrill complaints about being criticized and targeted by animal rights activists must be considered in the context of their refusal to open their labs to public inspection and the millions of taxpayer dollars they receive.So it comes as little surprise that people concerned with how the animals are being treated will have to sneak in one way or another to see for themselves. And it comes as no surprise that when they do they will record what they see and and tell others about what they have seen. And it also comes as no surprise that the labs and their host institutons will make the absurd claim that it is in some way wrong for them to do so.
Friday, August 21, 2020
PHS self-report(s) 10A to 10Z
UW-Madison's
PHS self-reports
10A to 10Z
10A
5/8/2020
"... OLAW understands that a nonhuman primate received two challenges with simian immunodeficiency virus, though the protocol was approved for only one. No adverse effects were reported for the animal."
"The corrective action consisted of retraining the staff responsible.
"Based on its assessment of this explaination, OLAW understands that measures have been implimented to reduce the liklihood of a recurrance of this problem. While OLAW concurs with actions taken by the institution to comply with the PHS Policy, we note that it is imparative that staff is trained in advance of performing animal procedures, not as a remedial response after the noncompliance has occurred."
10B
6/30/2020
"... OLAW understands that a post-operative analgesic for and adult,[sic] rhesus macaque was delayed for eight hours because a veterinary technician scheduled the treatment incorrectly in the electronic health records system.... Retraining is pending for the technician involved in this incident."
"The prompt consideration of this matter by the University of Wisconsin-Madison was consistent with the philosophy of self-regulation. Similarly, the pending action to resolve the issue and prevent recurrence is appropriate."
10C
7/23/2020
"This Office understands that the SMPH [School of Medicine and Pubmic Health] Animal Care and Use Comittee (ACUC) determined that instances of noncompliance occurred with respect to: the deaths of two mouse weanlings. The final reports that laboratory members forgot to place a feed hopper in the cage when the mice were weaned. Also, the animal care personel did not detect this oversight."
"... OLAW understands that the University of Wisconsin Madison has implimented appropriate meauers to correct and prevent recurrence of these problems...".
10D
7/23/2020
"... OLAW understands that a frog escaped from an ice bucket with a loose lid. The animal was being transported for eutanasia by the Principal Investigator and could not be located. Transporting the frog in ice was an constituted an unapproved procedure.
The corrective actions consisted of counceling the PI to secure all animal container lids, to directly oversee the transport process, and to not to use ice in this situation.
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implimented to prevent recurrence of this problem. OLAW concurs witht he actions taken...".
10E
8/10/2020
"...OLAW understands that on May 23, 2020, five infant macaques housed in the nursery did not receive one of their mid-day formula feedings when an animal care superviser failed to assign staff to this task after the original staff member was unavailable for the feeding."
"Corrective and prevented measures included retraining of te animal care supervisor...".
"The prompt consideration of this matter by the University of Wisconsin-Madison was consistent with the philosophy of self-regulation. Similarly, the pending action to resolve the issue and prevent recurrence is appropriate."
10F
8/28/2020
"...OLAW understands that on June 13, 2020, an adult macaque received a dose of expired human chorionic gonadotropin. The research associate and animal care staff responsible for the incident were immediately retrained and pertinent SOPs will be amended to ensure that all personel know that expired agents cannot be utilized.
"The prompt consideration of this matter by the University of Wisconsin-Madison was consistent with the philosophy of self-regulation. Similarly, the pending action to resolve the issue and prevent recurrence is appropriate."
10G
8/28/2020
"... OLAW understands that on July 17, 2020 an adult macaque exited a transport device and sustained a minor injury to its tongue when it interacted with other animals within its holding room. Two other animals in the room also sustained injuries when they interacted with the animal that exited the transport device.All three animal required veterinary intervention..."
"Corrective and preventive measures included retraining the individual from the laboratory responsible for the incident."
"The prompt consideration of this matter by the University of Wisconsin-Madison was consistent with the philosophy of self-regulation. Similarly, the pending action to resolve the issue and prevent recurrence is appropriate."
10H
9/01/2020
"... OLAW understands that on July 13, 2020, an adult macaque escaped from a testing cage during the process of transferring to a transport device. During the incident the animal sustained an injury to the distal portion of its tail. The severity of the wound was not appreciated until July 27, 2020 when it recieved veterinary medical treatment. Personel involved in the incident have been retrained...".
"The prompt consideration of this matter by the University of Wisconsin-Madison was consistent with the philosophy of self-regulation. Similarly, the pending action to resolve the issue and prevent recurrence is appropriate."
[Note: This monkey was being used in one of Ned Kalin's hideous experiments paid for through NIH grant MH047629.]
10I
10/29/2020
"This Office understands that the university of Wisconsin-Madison Animal Care and Use Committee [there are 4 ACUCs at UW-Madison] determined that an adverse event occurred with respect to: conditions that jeopardized the well-being of animals resulting in death to animals. The final report states that a lab member turned off the water flow lined connected to a zebra fish tank and forgot to turn the lines back on. As a result, 35 fish died, and animal care staff discovered the incident during daily animal care checks."
"... OLAW understands that the the University of Wisconsin-Madison has implimented appropriate measures to correct and prevent recurrences of these problems...".
10J
11/4/2020
"... OLAW understands that on August 22, 2020, five mice were found dead in a vivarium cage without food. The animals were associated with a PHS-supported activity.
Corrective and preventative included the vivarium supervisor retraining the involved animal care staff on the importance of checking the food every day."
"The prompt consideration of this matter by the University of Wisconsin-Madison was consistent with the philosophy of self-regulation. Similarly, the pending action to resolve the issue and prevent recurrence is appropriate."
10K (the original redacted record)
10K (the less redacted version)
3/9/2020
This is a 77 page file. It is the NIH's "investigation" into the numerous problems cited by an undercover Peta investigator at the Wisconsin National Primate Research Center. The investigation was merely the request that they respond to some of the problems reported by the investigator. The last 43 pages were completely redacted. This seemed unreasonable. After a bit of strained correspondence with the NIH FOIA office and a NIH FOIA ombudsperson, they finally provided a much less redacted copy of the record. After reading the 43 pages that had been hidden from the public, I was struck by the sad fact that the the problems in the monkey labs haven't changed. (An essay I wrote 13 years ago: Sick Monkeys = Worthless Research)
10L
2/24/21
"OLAW understands that on October 3, 2020, a student placed 4 mice in a plethysmograph chanmber, turned it on, and left the room. One hour later, a differnet student entered the room and found three mice dead and a fourth had to be euthanized. The student had forgtten to turn on the air-flow button.
"The animals were associated with a PHS-supported activity.
Corrective and preventative actions included the Principal Investigator creating a new checklist for using the plethysmograph."
"The prompt consideration of this matter by the University of Wisconsin-Madison was consistent with the philosophy of self-regulation. Similarly, the pending action to resolve the issue and prevent recurrence is appropriate."
10M
11/25/2020
"... OLAW understands that in late 2020, a study team member self-reported that they failed to administer post-operative analgesia to a pig as specified in their protocol. Analgesics were provided immediately after the procedure but some time points were missed due to miss communication.
... Corrective and preventative actions included confirming responsibilities among study team members for post-opperative care, and utilizing a guide of required actions."
"The prompt consideration of this matter by the University of Wisconsin-Madison was consistent with the philosophy of self-regulation. Similarly, the pending action to resolve the issue and prevent recurrence is appropriate."
10N
6/14/21
"OLAW understands that four adult rhesus macaques received an infusion of an experimental agent that was provided by an external collaborator of the research and was supposed to have been only the buffered control. One animal which [should have been 'who'] received a high dose, died on December 17, 2020 with evidence of acute multi-organ compromise. On January 19, 2021, the PI identified that the wrong agent inadvertently misidentified and sent sent to the WNPRC.
"The consideration of this matter by the University of Wisconsin-Madison was consistent with the philosophy of self-regulation...."
10O
1/28/2021
"This Office understands that the UW School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH) Animal Care and Use Committee (ACUC) determined that incidences of non-compliance occurred with respect to: failure to adhere to IACUC-approved protocol. The final report states that the principal investigator (PI) self-reported a higher use of rats than approved on the protocol."
"... OLAW understands that the University of Wisconsin-Madison has implimented appropriate procedures to correct and prevent recurrences of these problems...".
10P
2/8/21
"... OLAW understands that on January 8, 2021, a veterinary technician performed multiple weight checks in a room of common marmosets in the morning. When the animals were returned to their primary enclosures the techician inadvertently left three of the marmosets secured inside their nest boxes within their primary enclosures. The incident was not discovered during the PM room checks that evening, but the following morning, an animal caretaker discovered the error....
To correct, and prevent a recurrance of the incident, the WNPRC Attending Veterinarian and the Compliance Coordinator... are in the process of making changes to WNPRC SOPs."
"The consideration of this matter by the University of Wisconsin-Madison was consistent with the philosophy of self-regulation. Similarly, the action taken to resolve the issue and prevent recurrence was appropriate."
10Q
2/8/21
"... OLAW understands that on December 21, 2021 a WNPRC veterinarian discovered that a male rhesus macaques recieved incorrect doses of insulin on multimle occasions due to the fact that the animal caretaker administering the treatment misread the syringe used to administer insulin."
"The consideration of this matter by the University of Wisconsin-Madison was consistent with the philosophy of self-regulation. Similarly, the action taken to resolve the issue and prevent recurrence was appropriate."
10R
2/8/21
"... OLAW understands that on two consecutive weekends, rats in two colony rooms were not fed their standard chow allotment on Sunday. This impacted a total to 50 animals on the first Sunday and 46 animals on the second Sunday.... All personell have undergone new training and new safeguards have been put in place."
"The consideration of this matter by the University of Wisconsin-Madison was consistent with the philosophy of self-regulation. Similarly, the action taken to resolve the issue and prevent recurrence was appropriate."
10S
2/8/21
"... OLAW understands that on December 8, 2020, a WNPRC veterinarian prescribe an antidepressant medication for an adult male macaque. The veterinary technician entered the dose as millileters instad of milligrams. The incorrect dossage was administered for seven days until the error was discovered.... The veterinary technician responsible has undergone retraining..."
"The consideration of this matter by the University of Wisconsin-Madison was consistent with the philosophy of self-regulation. Similarly, the action taken to resolve the issue and prevent recurrence was appropriate."
10T
2/8/21
"... OLAW understands that an adult male rhesus macaque underwent a protocol-approved surgery,. An alalgesic was administered at the time of the procedure and an anti-inflamatory and another analgesic at the completion of the procedure. On a verterinarian's order a veterinary technician scheduled an analgesic treatment for that evening. Although WNPRC SOP's were followed for scheduling this treatment, it was not administered that evening. The animal received its next scheduled treatment the following morning and exhibited no adverse symptoms because of the missed treatment.... formal retraining will soon be completed." [Note: discerning pain and discomfort in monkeys is uiversally acknowledged to be exceedingly difficult.]
"The consideration of this matter by the University of Wisconsin-Madison was consistent with the philosophy of self-regulation. Similarly, the action taken to resolve the issue and prevent recurrence is appropriate."
10U
4/22/2021
"This Office understands that the UW School of Medice and Public Health (SMPH) Animal Care and Use Committee (ACUC) determined that instances of noncompliance occurred with respect to: failure to adhere to the IACUC-approved protocol. The final report states a review of records during mouse surgical procedures revealed a protocol noncompliance. The protocol states meloxicam is to be administered at the time of the surgery. However the laboratory utilized isoflorane ans bupivacaine and meloxicam was not administered consistently as stated in the protocol... lab personnel were retrained..."
"... OLAW understands that the University of Wisconsin-Madison has implimented appropriate measures to correct and prevent recurrence of these problems and is now compliant with provisions of the PHS Policy."
10V
4/22/2021
"This Office understands that the UW School of Medice and Public Health (SMPH) Animal Care and Use Committee (ACUC) determined that instances of noncompliance occurred with respect to: failure to adhere to the IACUC-approved protocol. The final report states a review of records during mouse non-surgical procedures revealed a protocol noncompliance. The protocal described administration of buprinorphine at the time of the procedure and every 6-12h thereafter for 48hr. However, the laboratory had been administering one dose of buprinorphine at the time of the surgery only."
"Laboratory staff were retrained."
10W
4/22/2021
"... This Office understands that the UW School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH) Animal Care and Use Committee (ACUC) determined that instances of noncompliance occurred with respect to: conditions that jeopordized the health/well-being of animals resulting in actual harm and death to animals. The final report states 10 mice were found dead and an additional mouse was euthanized after being treated with 12 Gy external radiation. The protocol described that animals were to be partially protected with lead shielding. However, the laboratory staff used inadequate shielding."
"... OLAW understands that the University of Wisconsin-Madison has implimented appropriate measures to correct and prevent recurrence of these problems and is now compliant with provisions of the PHS Policy."
10X
3/29/21
"... OLAW understands that on February 6, 2021, your office was notified that a marmoset sustained an injury that required veterinary intervention when its foot was accidentally caught in the pen door as the door was closed.... The WNPRC employee involved in the incident was retrained on the use of the safety devices that have been implimented to reduce the chance of such incidents."
"The consideration of this matter by the University of Wisconsin-Madison was consistent with the philosophy of self-regulation. Similarly, the action taken to resolve the issue and prevent recurrence is appropriate."
10Y
6/1/21
"... OLAW understands that on March 31, 2021, three macaques sustained minor fight injuries requiring veterinary intervention when they removed the divider between their two enclosures and contacted other animals while they were being held in temporary enclosures during the sanitaion of their home enclosures."
"Corrective and preventative measures include the dividers between the compartments being welded to eliminate the chance of a similar incident occurring again."
"The consideration of this matter by the University of Wisconsin-Madison was consistent with the philosophy of self-regulation. Similarly, the action taken to resolve the issue and prevent recurrence is appropriate."
10Z
6/1/21
"... OLAW understands that on March 20, 2021, an adult macaque escaped its inclosure in an animal room. The animal was sedated and upon evaluation was found to have a an oral injury that required veterinary intervention. Another adult macaque in the room sustained oral and hand injuries that required veterinary intervention when it likely contacted the animal that exited its enclosure. It was determined that the lock for that enclosre was nonfunctional."
"... members of the laboratory who work with the animals involved in the incident have been tetrained..."
"The consideration of this matter by the University of Wisconsin-Madison was consistent with the philosophy of self-regulation. Similarly, the action taken to resolve the issue and prevent recurrence is appropriate."
PHS self-reports
10A to 10Z
10A
5/8/2020
"... OLAW understands that a nonhuman primate received two challenges with simian immunodeficiency virus, though the protocol was approved for only one. No adverse effects were reported for the animal."
"The corrective action consisted of retraining the staff responsible.
"Based on its assessment of this explaination, OLAW understands that measures have been implimented to reduce the liklihood of a recurrance of this problem. While OLAW concurs with actions taken by the institution to comply with the PHS Policy, we note that it is imparative that staff is trained in advance of performing animal procedures, not as a remedial response after the noncompliance has occurred."
10B
6/30/2020
"... OLAW understands that a post-operative analgesic for and adult,[sic] rhesus macaque was delayed for eight hours because a veterinary technician scheduled the treatment incorrectly in the electronic health records system.... Retraining is pending for the technician involved in this incident."
"The prompt consideration of this matter by the University of Wisconsin-Madison was consistent with the philosophy of self-regulation. Similarly, the pending action to resolve the issue and prevent recurrence is appropriate."
10C
7/23/2020
"This Office understands that the SMPH [School of Medicine and Pubmic Health] Animal Care and Use Comittee (ACUC) determined that instances of noncompliance occurred with respect to: the deaths of two mouse weanlings. The final reports that laboratory members forgot to place a feed hopper in the cage when the mice were weaned. Also, the animal care personel did not detect this oversight."
"... OLAW understands that the University of Wisconsin Madison has implimented appropriate meauers to correct and prevent recurrence of these problems...".
10D
7/23/2020
"... OLAW understands that a frog escaped from an ice bucket with a loose lid. The animal was being transported for eutanasia by the Principal Investigator and could not be located. Transporting the frog in ice was an constituted an unapproved procedure.
The corrective actions consisted of counceling the PI to secure all animal container lids, to directly oversee the transport process, and to not to use ice in this situation.
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implimented to prevent recurrence of this problem. OLAW concurs witht he actions taken...".
10E
8/10/2020
"...OLAW understands that on May 23, 2020, five infant macaques housed in the nursery did not receive one of their mid-day formula feedings when an animal care superviser failed to assign staff to this task after the original staff member was unavailable for the feeding."
"Corrective and prevented measures included retraining of te animal care supervisor...".
"The prompt consideration of this matter by the University of Wisconsin-Madison was consistent with the philosophy of self-regulation. Similarly, the pending action to resolve the issue and prevent recurrence is appropriate."
10F
8/28/2020
"...OLAW understands that on June 13, 2020, an adult macaque received a dose of expired human chorionic gonadotropin. The research associate and animal care staff responsible for the incident were immediately retrained and pertinent SOPs will be amended to ensure that all personel know that expired agents cannot be utilized.
"The prompt consideration of this matter by the University of Wisconsin-Madison was consistent with the philosophy of self-regulation. Similarly, the pending action to resolve the issue and prevent recurrence is appropriate."
10G
8/28/2020
"... OLAW understands that on July 17, 2020 an adult macaque exited a transport device and sustained a minor injury to its tongue when it interacted with other animals within its holding room. Two other animals in the room also sustained injuries when they interacted with the animal that exited the transport device.All three animal required veterinary intervention..."
"Corrective and preventive measures included retraining the individual from the laboratory responsible for the incident."
"The prompt consideration of this matter by the University of Wisconsin-Madison was consistent with the philosophy of self-regulation. Similarly, the pending action to resolve the issue and prevent recurrence is appropriate."
10H
9/01/2020
"... OLAW understands that on July 13, 2020, an adult macaque escaped from a testing cage during the process of transferring to a transport device. During the incident the animal sustained an injury to the distal portion of its tail. The severity of the wound was not appreciated until July 27, 2020 when it recieved veterinary medical treatment. Personel involved in the incident have been retrained...".
"The prompt consideration of this matter by the University of Wisconsin-Madison was consistent with the philosophy of self-regulation. Similarly, the pending action to resolve the issue and prevent recurrence is appropriate."
[Note: This monkey was being used in one of Ned Kalin's hideous experiments paid for through NIH grant MH047629.]
10I
10/29/2020
"This Office understands that the university of Wisconsin-Madison Animal Care and Use Committee [there are 4 ACUCs at UW-Madison] determined that an adverse event occurred with respect to: conditions that jeopardized the well-being of animals resulting in death to animals. The final report states that a lab member turned off the water flow lined connected to a zebra fish tank and forgot to turn the lines back on. As a result, 35 fish died, and animal care staff discovered the incident during daily animal care checks."
"... OLAW understands that the the University of Wisconsin-Madison has implimented appropriate measures to correct and prevent recurrences of these problems...".
10J
11/4/2020
"... OLAW understands that on August 22, 2020, five mice were found dead in a vivarium cage without food. The animals were associated with a PHS-supported activity.
Corrective and preventative included the vivarium supervisor retraining the involved animal care staff on the importance of checking the food every day."
"The prompt consideration of this matter by the University of Wisconsin-Madison was consistent with the philosophy of self-regulation. Similarly, the pending action to resolve the issue and prevent recurrence is appropriate."
10K (the original redacted record)
10K (the less redacted version)
3/9/2020
This is a 77 page file. It is the NIH's "investigation" into the numerous problems cited by an undercover Peta investigator at the Wisconsin National Primate Research Center. The investigation was merely the request that they respond to some of the problems reported by the investigator. The last 43 pages were completely redacted. This seemed unreasonable. After a bit of strained correspondence with the NIH FOIA office and a NIH FOIA ombudsperson, they finally provided a much less redacted copy of the record. After reading the 43 pages that had been hidden from the public, I was struck by the sad fact that the the problems in the monkey labs haven't changed. (An essay I wrote 13 years ago: Sick Monkeys = Worthless Research)
10L
2/24/21
"OLAW understands that on October 3, 2020, a student placed 4 mice in a plethysmograph chanmber, turned it on, and left the room. One hour later, a differnet student entered the room and found three mice dead and a fourth had to be euthanized. The student had forgtten to turn on the air-flow button.
"The animals were associated with a PHS-supported activity.
Corrective and preventative actions included the Principal Investigator creating a new checklist for using the plethysmograph."
"The prompt consideration of this matter by the University of Wisconsin-Madison was consistent with the philosophy of self-regulation. Similarly, the pending action to resolve the issue and prevent recurrence is appropriate."
10M
11/25/2020
"... OLAW understands that in late 2020, a study team member self-reported that they failed to administer post-operative analgesia to a pig as specified in their protocol. Analgesics were provided immediately after the procedure but some time points were missed due to miss communication.
... Corrective and preventative actions included confirming responsibilities among study team members for post-opperative care, and utilizing a guide of required actions."
"The prompt consideration of this matter by the University of Wisconsin-Madison was consistent with the philosophy of self-regulation. Similarly, the pending action to resolve the issue and prevent recurrence is appropriate."
10N
6/14/21
"OLAW understands that four adult rhesus macaques received an infusion of an experimental agent that was provided by an external collaborator of the research and was supposed to have been only the buffered control. One animal which [should have been 'who'] received a high dose, died on December 17, 2020 with evidence of acute multi-organ compromise. On January 19, 2021, the PI identified that the wrong agent inadvertently misidentified and sent sent to the WNPRC.
"The consideration of this matter by the University of Wisconsin-Madison was consistent with the philosophy of self-regulation...."
10O
1/28/2021
"This Office understands that the UW School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH) Animal Care and Use Committee (ACUC) determined that incidences of non-compliance occurred with respect to: failure to adhere to IACUC-approved protocol. The final report states that the principal investigator (PI) self-reported a higher use of rats than approved on the protocol."
"... OLAW understands that the University of Wisconsin-Madison has implimented appropriate procedures to correct and prevent recurrences of these problems...".
10P
2/8/21
"... OLAW understands that on January 8, 2021, a veterinary technician performed multiple weight checks in a room of common marmosets in the morning. When the animals were returned to their primary enclosures the techician inadvertently left three of the marmosets secured inside their nest boxes within their primary enclosures. The incident was not discovered during the PM room checks that evening, but the following morning, an animal caretaker discovered the error....
To correct, and prevent a recurrance of the incident, the WNPRC Attending Veterinarian and the Compliance Coordinator... are in the process of making changes to WNPRC SOPs."
"The consideration of this matter by the University of Wisconsin-Madison was consistent with the philosophy of self-regulation. Similarly, the action taken to resolve the issue and prevent recurrence was appropriate."
10Q
2/8/21
"... OLAW understands that on December 21, 2021 a WNPRC veterinarian discovered that a male rhesus macaques recieved incorrect doses of insulin on multimle occasions due to the fact that the animal caretaker administering the treatment misread the syringe used to administer insulin."
"The consideration of this matter by the University of Wisconsin-Madison was consistent with the philosophy of self-regulation. Similarly, the action taken to resolve the issue and prevent recurrence was appropriate."
10R
2/8/21
"... OLAW understands that on two consecutive weekends, rats in two colony rooms were not fed their standard chow allotment on Sunday. This impacted a total to 50 animals on the first Sunday and 46 animals on the second Sunday.... All personell have undergone new training and new safeguards have been put in place."
"The consideration of this matter by the University of Wisconsin-Madison was consistent with the philosophy of self-regulation. Similarly, the action taken to resolve the issue and prevent recurrence was appropriate."
10S
2/8/21
"... OLAW understands that on December 8, 2020, a WNPRC veterinarian prescribe an antidepressant medication for an adult male macaque. The veterinary technician entered the dose as millileters instad of milligrams. The incorrect dossage was administered for seven days until the error was discovered.... The veterinary technician responsible has undergone retraining..."
"The consideration of this matter by the University of Wisconsin-Madison was consistent with the philosophy of self-regulation. Similarly, the action taken to resolve the issue and prevent recurrence was appropriate."
10T
2/8/21
"... OLAW understands that an adult male rhesus macaque underwent a protocol-approved surgery,. An alalgesic was administered at the time of the procedure and an anti-inflamatory and another analgesic at the completion of the procedure. On a verterinarian's order a veterinary technician scheduled an analgesic treatment for that evening. Although WNPRC SOP's were followed for scheduling this treatment, it was not administered that evening. The animal received its next scheduled treatment the following morning and exhibited no adverse symptoms because of the missed treatment.... formal retraining will soon be completed." [Note: discerning pain and discomfort in monkeys is uiversally acknowledged to be exceedingly difficult.]
"The consideration of this matter by the University of Wisconsin-Madison was consistent with the philosophy of self-regulation. Similarly, the action taken to resolve the issue and prevent recurrence is appropriate."
10U
4/22/2021
"This Office understands that the UW School of Medice and Public Health (SMPH) Animal Care and Use Committee (ACUC) determined that instances of noncompliance occurred with respect to: failure to adhere to the IACUC-approved protocol. The final report states a review of records during mouse surgical procedures revealed a protocol noncompliance. The protocol states meloxicam is to be administered at the time of the surgery. However the laboratory utilized isoflorane ans bupivacaine and meloxicam was not administered consistently as stated in the protocol... lab personnel were retrained..."
"... OLAW understands that the University of Wisconsin-Madison has implimented appropriate measures to correct and prevent recurrence of these problems and is now compliant with provisions of the PHS Policy."
10V
4/22/2021
"This Office understands that the UW School of Medice and Public Health (SMPH) Animal Care and Use Committee (ACUC) determined that instances of noncompliance occurred with respect to: failure to adhere to the IACUC-approved protocol. The final report states a review of records during mouse non-surgical procedures revealed a protocol noncompliance. The protocal described administration of buprinorphine at the time of the procedure and every 6-12h thereafter for 48hr. However, the laboratory had been administering one dose of buprinorphine at the time of the surgery only."
"Laboratory staff were retrained."
10W
4/22/2021
"... This Office understands that the UW School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH) Animal Care and Use Committee (ACUC) determined that instances of noncompliance occurred with respect to: conditions that jeopordized the health/well-being of animals resulting in actual harm and death to animals. The final report states 10 mice were found dead and an additional mouse was euthanized after being treated with 12 Gy external radiation. The protocol described that animals were to be partially protected with lead shielding. However, the laboratory staff used inadequate shielding."
"... OLAW understands that the University of Wisconsin-Madison has implimented appropriate measures to correct and prevent recurrence of these problems and is now compliant with provisions of the PHS Policy."
10X
3/29/21
"... OLAW understands that on February 6, 2021, your office was notified that a marmoset sustained an injury that required veterinary intervention when its foot was accidentally caught in the pen door as the door was closed.... The WNPRC employee involved in the incident was retrained on the use of the safety devices that have been implimented to reduce the chance of such incidents."
"The consideration of this matter by the University of Wisconsin-Madison was consistent with the philosophy of self-regulation. Similarly, the action taken to resolve the issue and prevent recurrence is appropriate."
10Y
6/1/21
"... OLAW understands that on March 31, 2021, three macaques sustained minor fight injuries requiring veterinary intervention when they removed the divider between their two enclosures and contacted other animals while they were being held in temporary enclosures during the sanitaion of their home enclosures."
"Corrective and preventative measures include the dividers between the compartments being welded to eliminate the chance of a similar incident occurring again."
"The consideration of this matter by the University of Wisconsin-Madison was consistent with the philosophy of self-regulation. Similarly, the action taken to resolve the issue and prevent recurrence is appropriate."
10Z
6/1/21
"... OLAW understands that on March 20, 2021, an adult macaque escaped its inclosure in an animal room. The animal was sedated and upon evaluation was found to have a an oral injury that required veterinary intervention. Another adult macaque in the room sustained oral and hand injuries that required veterinary intervention when it likely contacted the animal that exited its enclosure. It was determined that the lock for that enclosre was nonfunctional."
"... members of the laboratory who work with the animals involved in the incident have been tetrained..."
"The consideration of this matter by the University of Wisconsin-Madison was consistent with the philosophy of self-regulation. Similarly, the action taken to resolve the issue and prevent recurrence is appropriate."
Saturday, August 15, 2020
Antness
In the early 1990s, I was making lots of compost. I have never been as content as I was when gathering material, tending the piles, sifting, giving away, and using my finished compost. The contentment I felt is very similar, maybe identical to, what I imagine an ant experiences when being an ant.
I've not read a huge amount about about ants, but two books I've found interesting and informative are E.O. Wilson's Ants and Deborah Gordon's Ants at Work.
Finding work that makes you content and doing that work is something I call antness. It is being in the groove, feeling comfortable and subtly fulfilled with the work.
I suspect this is how an ant feels as she scouts for food or helps excavate a new tunnel or chamber. It's a real pisser to be pulled away from that sense of contented work. Maybe this is part of the reason they get so angry when their nest is disturbed.
I still make compost, but not at nearly the same scale, and when I work in the garden, I have this nagging feeling that I ought to be writing something about the horible things being done to animals and why it's so screwed up and something about the sort of person who regularly hurts or kills others, or causes them harm by doing things that disturb others' piece of mind and interfere with them fulfilling their purpose.
Friday, April 24, 2020
And they wonder why some people question their motives.
The Guide [Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals: Eighth Edition. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/12910] is the authority on what is and isn't allowed and on what is and isn't absolutely required when dealing with animals in biomedical research funded by the NIH and other federal agencies.
Here's the germane passage from page 35:
Call me naive, but I assumed that since the Guide said that law enforcement and emergency personnel would be provided with a copy of the plan, that the plan existed, that I could ask for a copy of it. I have to laugh. I'll never learn.
From the University of Wisconsin, Madison:
What? Between 1,000 and 10,000 pages of documents? How could "Law enforcement and emergency personnel should be provided with a copy of the plan for comment" get turned into somewhere between 1,000 and 10,000 pages of documents?
They did say though, at the end of their lament, that a summary plan was available. Hello? So I wrote back and said yes, to please send me the summary plan. No idea why they just didn't send it in the first place; I'm sure it will be captivating.
Here's the germane passage from page 35:
ANIMAL CARE AND USE PROGRAM
Disaster Planning and Emergency Preparedness
Animal facilities may be subject to unexpected conditions that result in the catastrophic failure of critical systems or significant personnel absenteeism, or other unexpected events that severely compromise ongoing animal care and well-being (ILAR 2010). Facilities must therefore have a disaster plan. The plan should define the actions necessary to prevent animal pain, distress, and deaths due to loss of systems such as those that control ventilation, cooling, heating, or provision of potable water. If possible the plan should describe how the facility will preserve animals that are necessary for critical research activities or are irreplaceable. Knowledge of the geographic locale may provide guidance as to the probability of a particular type of disaster.
Disaster plans should be established in conjunction with the responsible investigator(s), taking into consideration both the priorities for triaging animal populations and the institutional needs and resources. Animals that cannot be relocated or protected from the consequences of the disaster must be humanely euthanized. The disaster plan should identify essential personnel who should be trained in advance in its implementation. Efforts should be taken to ensure personnel safety and provide access to essential personnel during or immediately after a disaster. Such plans should be approved by the institution and be part of the overall institutional disaster response plan that is coordinated by the IO or another senior-level administrator. Law enforcement and emergency personnel should be provided with a copy of the plan for comment and integration into broader, are-awide planning [my emphasis] (Vogelweid 1998).
Call me naive, but I assumed that since the Guide said that law enforcement and emergency personnel would be provided with a copy of the plan, that the plan existed, that I could ask for a copy of it. I have to laugh. I'll never learn.
From the University of Wisconsin, Madison:
RE: PUBLIC RECORDS REQUEST of 4/2/2020.
Reference #P001069-040220
Dear Requester,
The university received a public records request from you on 4/2/2020. You requested the following: "the university's disaster plan (the plan specified on pg 35 of The Guide.)"
Before we can begin the search for responsive records, we need clarification from you.We estimate that your request encompasses between 1,000 and 10,000 pages of documents. Many of these documents are not exclusive to the university’s research and teaching animal program because they cover emergency response to adverse events that impact university students, staff, visitors, property, and functions as well as research and teaching animals. If it is even possible to sort out all of the emergency response documents that address research and teaching animals, it is likely to take months and much staff time simply conduct such a search. Each record would then need to be reviewed at multiple levels to determine whether you are entitled to it under Wisconsin’s Public Records Law.
What? Between 1,000 and 10,000 pages of documents? How could "Law enforcement and emergency personnel should be provided with a copy of the plan for comment" get turned into somewhere between 1,000 and 10,000 pages of documents?
They did say though, at the end of their lament, that a summary plan was available. Hello? So I wrote back and said yes, to please send me the summary plan. No idea why they just didn't send it in the first place; I'm sure it will be captivating.
Monday, April 20, 2020
Hurting animals because that's just what they do
(There are no photos from either of the projects mentioned below.)
As I write this, there is "an adaptive, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of novel therapeutic agents in hospitalized adults diagnosed with COVID-19" underway. It will evaluate the use of a drug called Remdesivir as a treatment for COVID-19. "The study is a multicenter trial that will be conducted in up to approximately 75 sites globally." It is estimated that there will be about 440 patients enrolled in the study. More info here.
Remdesivir was originally developed by Gilead Pharmaceuticals to treat Ebola. It seems to have had mixed results. Monkeys were experimented on and killed during its development. Gilead is already in Phase 3 trials of Remdesivir as a treatment for COVID-19.
On April 17, 2020, I received a news release from NIH titled "Antiviral remdesivir prevents disease progression in monkeys with COVID-19." The NIH clinical trial's first patient was enrolled on February 21, 2020.
If the NIH and Gilead are already testing remdesivir in world-wide large human trials, why experiment on monkeys? Here's what the NIH says:
Early treatment with the experimental antiviral drug remdesivir significantly reduced clinical disease and damage to the lungs of rhesus macaques infected with SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, according to National Institutes of Health scientists.
The study was designed to follow dosing and treatment procedures used for hospitalized COVID-19 patients being administered remdesivir in a large, multi-center, clinical trial led by NIH’s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)... The findings are not yet peer-reviewed and should not be considered clinical advice, but are being shared to assist the public health response to COVID-19.
There doesn't appear to be a reasonable or logical reason other than the fact that they could. Experimenting on animals is just what they do.
Here's the paper: Williamson, Brandi, et al. "Clinical benefit of remdesivir in rhesus macaques infected with SARS-CoV-2." bioRxiv (2020).
This passage caught my eye: "The animals were observed twice daily for clinical signs of disease using a standardized scoring sheet as described previously(10); the same person, who was blinded to the group assignment of the animals, assessed the animals throughout the study."
The scoring sheet they referenced, slightly modified in size and layout to fit here:
The chart paints numerous possibilities for suffering. There doesn't seem to be a justification for hurting and killing these animals in light of the large global carefully monitored clinical trial underway. It's telling that the clinical trial is loaded with patient safeguards while the monkey experiment was seemingly only wanted in order to document just how sick a monkey could be.
Tuesday, March 31, 2020
"We advocate for an end to suffering."
The social distancing and widespread quarantine that has resulted in response to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak seems to had led to more people spending more time on social media. This has led to more arguments.
I commented that any reduction in our population as a result of the virus would be a good thing due to the detrimental impact we have on the planet and its other inhabitants. [See the two graphs below.] I was severely chastised by a somewhat well-known animal rights activist for saying this. In the course of our back and forth, my critic said that their work wasn't focused on other animals per se, but on trying to end suffering across the board. They said, "We advocate for an end to suffering."
I was struck by the polarity of our positions and assumptions.
The notion that suffering can be stopped strikes me as either naive or just ridiculous.
The number of species whose life cycles inevitably cause others to suffer is vast. Most, maybe every predator causes their prey some degree of suffering. Many, maybe most predators eat their prey while he, she, or they are alive and struggling. There are numerous parasites that must cause their hosts much suffering, like wasps who lay their eggs in caterpillars, or Cymothoa exigua, the tongue-eating louse which eats a fish's tongue and then lives its life attached to the inside of the fish's mouth.
The notion that the animal rights movement can or should even try to end suffering is naive or else merely ignorant and confused. The animal rights movement is about human ethics and morality. We can't end suffering, but we can change human behavior. Humans are not obligate carnivores or parasites; we can choose not to harm others, to leave them to their own devices, to protect their habitats, the water, the air, and the land. We can decide to acknowledge their right to live their lives free from our dominion and harm.
I commented that any reduction in our population as a result of the virus would be a good thing due to the detrimental impact we have on the planet and its other inhabitants. [See the two graphs below.] I was severely chastised by a somewhat well-known animal rights activist for saying this. In the course of our back and forth, my critic said that their work wasn't focused on other animals per se, but on trying to end suffering across the board. They said, "We advocate for an end to suffering."
I was struck by the polarity of our positions and assumptions.
The notion that suffering can be stopped strikes me as either naive or just ridiculous.
The number of species whose life cycles inevitably cause others to suffer is vast. Most, maybe every predator causes their prey some degree of suffering. Many, maybe most predators eat their prey while he, she, or they are alive and struggling. There are numerous parasites that must cause their hosts much suffering, like wasps who lay their eggs in caterpillars, or Cymothoa exigua, the tongue-eating louse which eats a fish's tongue and then lives its life attached to the inside of the fish's mouth.
The notion that the animal rights movement can or should even try to end suffering is naive or else merely ignorant and confused. The animal rights movement is about human ethics and morality. We can't end suffering, but we can change human behavior. Humans are not obligate carnivores or parasites; we can choose not to harm others, to leave them to their own devices, to protect their habitats, the water, the air, and the land. We can decide to acknowledge their right to live their lives free from our dominion and harm.
Monday, February 24, 2020
PHS self-reports 9A to 9Z
UW-Madison's
PHS self-reports
9A to 9Z
9A
2/25/2019
"... OLAW understands that a nonhuman primate received two challenges with simian immunodeficiency virus, though the protocol was approved for only one. No adverse effects were reported for the animal."[!]
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implemented to prevent recurrence of this problem."
9B
7/9/2019
"... OLAW understands that in late November 2018 while laboratory personnel were separating mice into new caging in a core facility [School of Medicine], they failed to remove a sticker that covered the outlet on one water bottle. The animals in that cage did not have access to water and two died mice died."
"... actions taken to resolve the issues and prevent recurrence were appropriate."
9C
4/23/19
"... OLAW understands that a monkey cage door had not been appropriately locked by staff and two animals escaped into the room. They fought with other monkeys in the room and one sustained a finger injury and one sustained a tongue injury. Another caged monkeys also sustained a tongue injury."
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implemented to correct and reduce the likelihood of a recurrence of this problem."
9D
4/23/2019
"... OLAW understands that due to misidentification of the tattoos, one of two paired of cynomolgus monkeys was subjected to unnecessary anesthesia and analgesia.
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implemented to prevent recurrence of this problem."
9E
4/9/2019
"... OLAW understands that two mouse pups in separate cages were found trapped between the wire lid and cage top. The mice had no access to water and one died. This incident occurred following weaning of the mice by laboratory staff."
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implemented to correct and prevent recurrence of this problem."
9F
6/17/2019
"... OLAW understands that six live neonatal mice were found in the carcass freezer due to a failure to ensure death after asphyxiation with CO2 for euthanasia. The required secondary physical method had not been used.
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implemented to correct and prevent recurrence of this problem."
9G
7/22/2019
"... OLAW understands that a marmoset sustained a broken femur during approved protocol manipulations."
"...OLAW understands that measures have been implemented to address this adverse event."
This event led to the the university being cited for a Critical violation of the Animal Welfare Act on 7/9 by USDA/APHIS. The marmoset seems to have struggle so intensely when being restrained while was being done to them that they broke their leg. The leg was injured to such a degree that it was amputated.
9H
6/17/2019
"... OLAW understands that following an approved eye procedure in a rabbit, no documentation was made regarding postprocedural monitoring or administration of analgesia."
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implemented to correct and prevent recurrence of this problem."
9I
6/17/2019
"... OLAW understands that 18 mice had escaped their cages by chewing through the hole for the water bottle. A research technician had removed the bottles to replace them but was gone for several hours.
The corrective action consisted of catching 16 mice and placing them in a clean cage or euthanizing them. Two mice were not captured."
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implemented to correct and prevent recurrence of this problem."
9J
Duplicate/"does not exist" per DHHS
9K
7/8/2019
"... OLAW understands that a veterinary technician observed a wound in an adult macaque and inadvertently documented this finding and treatment plan in the enclosure mate's medical record. As a result the wrong macaque received anti-inflamatory medication for two days which delayed treatment for the injured animal until the error was discovered. "
"... OLAW concurs with the actions taken by the institution and the IACUC to adhere to the PHS policy."
9L
7/8/2019
"... OLAW understands that an animal caretaker failed to properly lock an animal enclosure and a student animal caretaker responsible for checking the enclosure failed to identify the improperly attached lock. Three macaques sustained injuries that required veterinary intervention after two adult macaques exited their primary enclosure and after one of the two interacted with an animal still in his/her enclosure.
"... OLAW concurs with the actions taken by the institution and the IACUC to adhere to the PHS policy."
9M
7/17/2019
"... OLAW understands that five infant rhesus monkeys were subjected to behavioral tests at a different frequency than described in the approved protocol. The tests involved removing the infants from their mothers for one hour and conducting the testing. Conducting the tests three in a row rather than once per month resulted in better outcomes.
"The corrective action consisted in amending the protocol to reflect the actual testing schedule."
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implemented to correct and prevent recurrence of this problem."
Note: The correspondence in the case file describes a second violation left unremarked on by OLAW. The university reported: "... a veterinary technician inadvertently administered an incorrect dose of an anti-inflammatory (meloxicam) to an infant rhesus macaque after identification tattoos were place on its ears."
9N
7/17/2019
"... OLAW understands that a greater than approved dose of an anti-inflamatory agent was inadvertently given to an infant macaque.
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implemented to correct and prevent recurrence of this problem."
9O
12/10/2019
"... This Office understands that the SMPH IACUC determined that instances of noncompliance occurred with respect to: researchers use of expired buprenorphine on a group of mice during protocol-approved procedure.
"... OLAW understands that the University of Wisconsin-Madison has implemented appropriate measures to correct and prevent recurrences of this problem and is now compliant with provisions of the PHS Policy."
9P
10/28/2019
"... OLAW understands that in late August, 2019, an adult marmoset received an overdose of an anti-inflammatory agent due to an error by a veterinary technician."
"The prompt consideration of this matter by the University of Wisconsin - Madison was consistent with the philosophy of institutional self-regulation. Similarly, the actions taken to resolve the issue and prevent recurrence were appropriate."
9Q
10/28/2019
"... OLAW understands that on September 19, 2019, an adult rhesus monkey was injured in its cage by another rhesus that had escaped its enclosure. An animal caretaker had not placed a lock on one of the doors of the enclosure. The injuries required veterinary attention."
"The prompt consideration of this matter by the University of Wisconsin - Madison was consistent with the philosophy of institutional self-regulation. Similarly, the actions taken to resolve the issue and prevent recurrence were appropriate."
9R
10/28/2019
"... OLAW understands that on August 28,two macaques sustained injuries that required veterinary attention after they removed the divider separating their home enclosures. The incident occurred after two animal caretakers had not placed a lock on the divider...".
"The prompt consideration of this matter by the University of Wisconsin - Madison was consistent with the philosophy of institutional self-regulation. Similarly, the actions taken to resolve the issue and prevent recurrence were appropriate."
9S
12/11/2019
"... This Office understands that the SMPH IACUC determined that instances of noncompliance occurred with respect to administration of a compound, fisetin, to a group of mice prior to protocol approval.
"... OLAW understands that the University of Wisconsin-Madison has implemented appropriate measures to correct and prevent recurrences of this problem and is now compliant with provisions of the PHS Policy."
9T
12/16/2019
"... OLAW understands that a rhesus monkey escaped its cage because it had not been properly locked. The monkey fought with another one and both sustained mild injuries."
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implemented to correct and reduce the liklihood of a recurrance of the problem."
9U
12/16/2019
"... OLAW understands that an infant rhesus monkey was given an expired antibiotic for four days for diarhea."
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implemented to correct and reduce the liklihood of a recurrance of the problem."
9V
3/2/2020
"... OLAW understands that mice were given an antibody not described in the approved protocol and two mice died and one required euthanasia."
"The corrective actions consisted of stopping administration of the antibody, amending the protocol to include the anitbody at a reduced dose from what had been been given, and retraining laboratory staff on protocol compliance.
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implemented to correct and prevent recurrance of this problem."
9W
3/10/2020
"... OLAW understands the following about the incidents and the corresponding corrective actions:
A transport cage was not fully secured on a lift which allowed the rhesus monkey to escape and fight with other monkeys resulting in injuries.
Corrective action: The injured animnals were treated and the lift was altered to make it more stable.
An animal care taker failed to provide water to a rhesus monkey on two consecutive days. No adverse clinical signs were noted.
Corrective action: The caretaker was retrained on appropriate provision of water."
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implemented to correct and prevent the liklihood of a recurrance of these problems."
9X
3/9/2020
[Duplicate of 9W]
9Y
3/13/2020
"The Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW) acknowledges receipt o[-your February 26, 2020 letter reporting an instance of noncompliance with the PHS Policy on humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals at the University of Wisconsin - Madison. According to the information provided, OLAW understands that 36 mice died after being infected with a wild-type herpes virus (HSV-l). It was determined that a mathematical error was made in the dosing calculations resulting in the animals receiving a higher dose than intended, The remaining 64 animals on the study were euthanized due to the compromised experiment. The animals were supported by an NW grant.
The lab has instituted new preventive measures wherein no single person can infect animals without confirming with the PI that their dosing calculations are correct and that the stocks of virus being used have been properly diluted."
9Z
5/8/2020
"OLAW understands that two marmosets were given an experimental drug orally although the approved protocol stated that the intravenous or intramuscular route would be used. [The drug was Tacrolimus. It was first approved in 1994. RB]
"OLAW understands that measures have been implimented to correct and prevent recurrance of this problem."
PHS self-reports
9A to 9Z
9A
2/25/2019
"... OLAW understands that a nonhuman primate received two challenges with simian immunodeficiency virus, though the protocol was approved for only one. No adverse effects were reported for the animal."[!]
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implemented to prevent recurrence of this problem."
9B
7/9/2019
"... OLAW understands that in late November 2018 while laboratory personnel were separating mice into new caging in a core facility [School of Medicine], they failed to remove a sticker that covered the outlet on one water bottle. The animals in that cage did not have access to water and two died mice died."
"... actions taken to resolve the issues and prevent recurrence were appropriate."
9C
4/23/19
"... OLAW understands that a monkey cage door had not been appropriately locked by staff and two animals escaped into the room. They fought with other monkeys in the room and one sustained a finger injury and one sustained a tongue injury. Another caged monkeys also sustained a tongue injury."
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implemented to correct and reduce the likelihood of a recurrence of this problem."
9D
4/23/2019
"... OLAW understands that due to misidentification of the tattoos, one of two paired of cynomolgus monkeys was subjected to unnecessary anesthesia and analgesia.
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implemented to prevent recurrence of this problem."
9E
4/9/2019
"... OLAW understands that two mouse pups in separate cages were found trapped between the wire lid and cage top. The mice had no access to water and one died. This incident occurred following weaning of the mice by laboratory staff."
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implemented to correct and prevent recurrence of this problem."
9F
6/17/2019
"... OLAW understands that six live neonatal mice were found in the carcass freezer due to a failure to ensure death after asphyxiation with CO2 for euthanasia. The required secondary physical method had not been used.
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implemented to correct and prevent recurrence of this problem."
9G
7/22/2019
"... OLAW understands that a marmoset sustained a broken femur during approved protocol manipulations."
"...OLAW understands that measures have been implemented to address this adverse event."
This event led to the the university being cited for a Critical violation of the Animal Welfare Act on 7/9 by USDA/APHIS. The marmoset seems to have struggle so intensely when being restrained while was being done to them that they broke their leg. The leg was injured to such a degree that it was amputated.
9H
6/17/2019
"... OLAW understands that following an approved eye procedure in a rabbit, no documentation was made regarding postprocedural monitoring or administration of analgesia."
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implemented to correct and prevent recurrence of this problem."
9I
6/17/2019
"... OLAW understands that 18 mice had escaped their cages by chewing through the hole for the water bottle. A research technician had removed the bottles to replace them but was gone for several hours.
The corrective action consisted of catching 16 mice and placing them in a clean cage or euthanizing them. Two mice were not captured."
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implemented to correct and prevent recurrence of this problem."
9J
Duplicate/"does not exist" per DHHS
9K
7/8/2019
"... OLAW understands that a veterinary technician observed a wound in an adult macaque and inadvertently documented this finding and treatment plan in the enclosure mate's medical record. As a result the wrong macaque received anti-inflamatory medication for two days which delayed treatment for the injured animal until the error was discovered. "
"... OLAW concurs with the actions taken by the institution and the IACUC to adhere to the PHS policy."
9L
7/8/2019
"... OLAW understands that an animal caretaker failed to properly lock an animal enclosure and a student animal caretaker responsible for checking the enclosure failed to identify the improperly attached lock. Three macaques sustained injuries that required veterinary intervention after two adult macaques exited their primary enclosure and after one of the two interacted with an animal still in his/her enclosure.
"... OLAW concurs with the actions taken by the institution and the IACUC to adhere to the PHS policy."
9M
7/17/2019
"... OLAW understands that five infant rhesus monkeys were subjected to behavioral tests at a different frequency than described in the approved protocol. The tests involved removing the infants from their mothers for one hour and conducting the testing. Conducting the tests three in a row rather than once per month resulted in better outcomes.
"The corrective action consisted in amending the protocol to reflect the actual testing schedule."
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implemented to correct and prevent recurrence of this problem."
Note: The correspondence in the case file describes a second violation left unremarked on by OLAW. The university reported: "... a veterinary technician inadvertently administered an incorrect dose of an anti-inflammatory (meloxicam) to an infant rhesus macaque after identification tattoos were place on its ears."
9N
7/17/2019
"... OLAW understands that a greater than approved dose of an anti-inflamatory agent was inadvertently given to an infant macaque.
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implemented to correct and prevent recurrence of this problem."
9O
12/10/2019
"... This Office understands that the SMPH IACUC determined that instances of noncompliance occurred with respect to: researchers use of expired buprenorphine on a group of mice during protocol-approved procedure.
"... OLAW understands that the University of Wisconsin-Madison has implemented appropriate measures to correct and prevent recurrences of this problem and is now compliant with provisions of the PHS Policy."
9P
10/28/2019
"... OLAW understands that in late August, 2019, an adult marmoset received an overdose of an anti-inflammatory agent due to an error by a veterinary technician."
"The prompt consideration of this matter by the University of Wisconsin - Madison was consistent with the philosophy of institutional self-regulation. Similarly, the actions taken to resolve the issue and prevent recurrence were appropriate."
9Q
10/28/2019
"... OLAW understands that on September 19, 2019, an adult rhesus monkey was injured in its cage by another rhesus that had escaped its enclosure. An animal caretaker had not placed a lock on one of the doors of the enclosure. The injuries required veterinary attention."
"The prompt consideration of this matter by the University of Wisconsin - Madison was consistent with the philosophy of institutional self-regulation. Similarly, the actions taken to resolve the issue and prevent recurrence were appropriate."
9R
10/28/2019
"... OLAW understands that on August 28,two macaques sustained injuries that required veterinary attention after they removed the divider separating their home enclosures. The incident occurred after two animal caretakers had not placed a lock on the divider...".
"The prompt consideration of this matter by the University of Wisconsin - Madison was consistent with the philosophy of institutional self-regulation. Similarly, the actions taken to resolve the issue and prevent recurrence were appropriate."
9S
12/11/2019
"... This Office understands that the SMPH IACUC determined that instances of noncompliance occurred with respect to administration of a compound, fisetin, to a group of mice prior to protocol approval.
"... OLAW understands that the University of Wisconsin-Madison has implemented appropriate measures to correct and prevent recurrences of this problem and is now compliant with provisions of the PHS Policy."
9T
12/16/2019
"... OLAW understands that a rhesus monkey escaped its cage because it had not been properly locked. The monkey fought with another one and both sustained mild injuries."
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implemented to correct and reduce the liklihood of a recurrance of the problem."
9U
12/16/2019
"... OLAW understands that an infant rhesus monkey was given an expired antibiotic for four days for diarhea."
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implemented to correct and reduce the liklihood of a recurrance of the problem."
9V
3/2/2020
"... OLAW understands that mice were given an antibody not described in the approved protocol and two mice died and one required euthanasia."
"The corrective actions consisted of stopping administration of the antibody, amending the protocol to include the anitbody at a reduced dose from what had been been given, and retraining laboratory staff on protocol compliance.
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implemented to correct and prevent recurrance of this problem."
9W
3/10/2020
"... OLAW understands the following about the incidents and the corresponding corrective actions:
A transport cage was not fully secured on a lift which allowed the rhesus monkey to escape and fight with other monkeys resulting in injuries.
Corrective action: The injured animnals were treated and the lift was altered to make it more stable.
An animal care taker failed to provide water to a rhesus monkey on two consecutive days. No adverse clinical signs were noted.
Corrective action: The caretaker was retrained on appropriate provision of water."
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implemented to correct and prevent the liklihood of a recurrance of these problems."
9X
3/9/2020
[Duplicate of 9W]
9Y
3/13/2020
"The Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW) acknowledges receipt o[-your February 26, 2020 letter reporting an instance of noncompliance with the PHS Policy on humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals at the University of Wisconsin - Madison. According to the information provided, OLAW understands that 36 mice died after being infected with a wild-type herpes virus (HSV-l). It was determined that a mathematical error was made in the dosing calculations resulting in the animals receiving a higher dose than intended, The remaining 64 animals on the study were euthanized due to the compromised experiment. The animals were supported by an NW grant.
The lab has instituted new preventive measures wherein no single person can infect animals without confirming with the PI that their dosing calculations are correct and that the stocks of virus being used have been properly diluted."
9Z
5/8/2020
"OLAW understands that two marmosets were given an experimental drug orally although the approved protocol stated that the intravenous or intramuscular route would be used. [The drug was Tacrolimus. It was first approved in 1994. RB]
"OLAW understands that measures have been implimented to correct and prevent recurrance of this problem."
Monday, January 20, 2020
UW-Madison's Self-Reported Animal Welfare Violations
These pages are a set of links to correspondence between the University of
Wisconsin, Madison and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office
of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW) concerning violations of the Public Health Service (PHS) Policy on the Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.
NIH/OLAW rarely inspects laboratories. NIH/OLAW's oversight is primarily a matter of talking to a lab's representatives on the phone and responding to letters from them reporting on their violations and what they did in response.
PHS self-reports 3N to 3Z
PHS self-reports 4A to 4Z
PHS self-reports 5A to 5Z
PHS self-reports 6A to 6Z
PHS self-reports 7A to 7Z
PHS self-reports 8A to 8Z
PHS self-reports 9A to 9Z
PHS self-reports 10A to 10Z
PHS self-reports 11A to 11Z
The lists are ordered by OLAW Case Number; in some instances the date on the OLAW response letter is out of sequence. Brief excerpts from OLAW's response letter are provided; a review of each file will provide additional detail. A handful of the reports are missing in my records. If I get them, I will put them in their appropriate spot in an effort to complete the record.
The entries are listed in this fashion:
OLAW Case Number
Date of OLAW response
OLAW's summary
OLAW's resolution
All laboratories using vertebrate animals in Public Health Service-funded research are required to periodically submit a document to NIH promising to adhere to Public Health Service (PHS) Policy on the Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. This document is referred to as the entity's
"Animal Welfare Assurance." The correspondence is marked:
re: Animal Welfare Assurance
A3368-01 [OLAW Case Number]
A3368-01 is the University of Wisconsin, Madison's PHS Assurance number.
It is hard to find evidence of meaningful oversight in this correspondence because similar accidents, screw-ups, and violations occur repeatedly, and in every case OLAW answers with some version of: "OLAW understands that measures have been implemented to correct and prevent recurrence of this problem."
It might be a coincidence, but a few months after I began publishing these reports they were fined $74,000 by the USDA's Animal Care division of its Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS-AC) for years of violations. The settlement letter cites many of the instances in the reports. It makes me wonder, if I hadn't made these reports public, would APHIS-AC have ever taken notice of the problems? The dirth of citations in recent past APHIS inspections suggests that they wouldn't have. Read the USDA's final decree.
NIH/OLAW rarely inspects laboratories. NIH/OLAW's oversight is primarily a matter of talking to a lab's representatives on the phone and responding to letters from them reporting on their violations and what they did in response.
PHS self-reports 3N to 3Z
PHS self-reports 4A to 4Z
PHS self-reports 5A to 5Z
PHS self-reports 6A to 6Z
PHS self-reports 7A to 7Z
PHS self-reports 8A to 8Z
PHS self-reports 9A to 9Z
PHS self-reports 10A to 10Z
PHS self-reports 11A to 11Z
The lists are ordered by OLAW Case Number; in some instances the date on the OLAW response letter is out of sequence. Brief excerpts from OLAW's response letter are provided; a review of each file will provide additional detail. A handful of the reports are missing in my records. If I get them, I will put them in their appropriate spot in an effort to complete the record.
The entries are listed in this fashion:
OLAW Case Number
Date of OLAW response
OLAW's summary
OLAW's resolution
All laboratories using vertebrate animals in Public Health Service-funded research are required to periodically submit a document to NIH promising to adhere to Public Health Service (PHS) Policy on the Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. This document is referred to as the entity's
"Animal Welfare Assurance." The correspondence is marked:
re: Animal Welfare Assurance
A3368-01 [OLAW Case Number]
A3368-01 is the University of Wisconsin, Madison's PHS Assurance number.
It is hard to find evidence of meaningful oversight in this correspondence because similar accidents, screw-ups, and violations occur repeatedly, and in every case OLAW answers with some version of: "OLAW understands that measures have been implemented to correct and prevent recurrence of this problem."
It might be a coincidence, but a few months after I began publishing these reports they were fined $74,000 by the USDA's Animal Care division of its Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS-AC) for years of violations. The settlement letter cites many of the instances in the reports. It makes me wonder, if I hadn't made these reports public, would APHIS-AC have ever taken notice of the problems? The dirth of citations in recent past APHIS inspections suggests that they wouldn't have. Read the USDA's final decree.
PHS self-reports 3N to 3Z
UW-Madison's
PHS self-reports
3N to 3Z
3N
4/11/2012
"... OLAW understands that on sixteen occasions anesthesia recovery records for nonhuman primates were not completed promptly or correctly and animals were not being checked regularly."
"... OLAW is satisfied that appropriate actions have been taken to investigate, correct, and prevent recurrence of the noncompliance."
3O
4/11/2012
"... OLAW understands that thirteen mice received a higher dose of an experimental drug than described in the approved protocol over a period of several days."
"... OLAW is satisfied that appropriate actions have been taken to investigate, correct, and prevent recurrence of the noncompliance."
3P
4/11/2012
"... OLAW understands that [10] mice failed to receive post-operative analgesics as described in the approved protocol."
"... OLAW is satisfied that appropriate actions have been taken to investigate, correct, and prevent recurrence of the noncompliance."
3Q Missing
3R Missing
3S
4/11/2012
"... OLAW understands that a female rhesus macaque with infant had been left in a transport cage for an undetermined amount of time (1 day or more) following the conduct of an approved blood draw."
"...OLAW understands that measures have been implemented to correct and prevent the occurrence of this problem."
3T
4/30/2012
"... OLAW understands that a total of 45 adult and juvenile mice drowned after their cages filled with water due to an improperly docked cage which caused continuous activation of the lixit. Human error involving a different individual from the same laboratory caused the same problem previously..."
"...OLAW understands that measures have been implemented to correct this problem."
3U Missing
3V
4/17/2012
"... OLAW understands that two nonhuman primates on an approved fluid regulation study failed to receive their minimum daily fluid allotment on numerous occasions…. Also, a student working with the primates was not listed on the protocol."
"... OLAW is satisfied that appropriate actions have been taken to investigate, correct, and prevent recurrence of the noncompliance."
3W
4/18/2012
"...OLAW understands the following about the incidents and the corresponding corrective actions: 1) A marmoset was used in a terminal profusion although this had not been described in the approved protocol. 2) An anesthetized cynomolgus monkey undergoing an approved MRI procedure sustained skin burns on its legs from the warming bags used to maintain body. 3) A rhesus monkey failed to receive water due to a miscommunication between research and animal care staff. 4) Blood samples were taken from a cynomolgus monkey although the approved protocol only described the procedure for a rhesus monkey."
"... OLAW is satisfied that appropriate actions have been taken in all three instances to investigate, correct, and prevent recurrence of the noncompliance."
3X
4/17/2012
"... OLAW understands that a water pipe froze and burst in an animal building and flooded 25 rooms. Some animals became wet but none sustained injuries or died."
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implemented to correct and prevent the occurrence of this problem."
3Y
3/13/2011
"… OLAW understands that the Letters and Science Animal Care and Use Committee (ACUC) did not conduct the fall 2011 semiannual facility inspection at a remote facility due to a failure to schedule a consultant to conduct the visit."
"... OLAW is satisfied that appropriate actions have been taken in all three instances to investigate, correct, and prevent recurrence of the noncompliance."
3Z
4/11/2012
"... OLAW understands that a cow used in a teaching protocol was subjected to a Caesarean section surgical procedure that had not been described in the approved protocol."
"... OLAW is satisfied that appropriate actions have been taken to investigate and prevent recurrence of the noncompliance."
PHS self-reports 4A to 4Z
UW-Madison's
PHS self-reports
4A to 4Z
4A
4/14/2012
"... OLAW understands the following about the incidents and the corresponding corrective actions: 1) A cage was not securely seated in the rack causing a lixit to leak into lower cages, resulting in the drowning deaths of 19 mice. Corrective action: All lixit nozzles were replaced with shielded water tips on all racks in the facility. 2) A rat was given repeated doses of pentobarbital due to difficulty in anesthetizing the animal. The individual performing the procedure was directed to euthanize the rat ... Intracardiac injection had not been approved in the protocol."
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implemented in both situations to correct and prevent recurrence of the problem."
4B
4/30/2012
"... OLAW understands that a significant change was made to a training protocol without prior approval from the Animal Care and Use Committee. Specifically, rats undergoing non-survival surgery were given saline instead of buprenorphine pre-operatively which constituted a significant change."
"... OLAW is satisfied that appropriate actions have been taken to correct and prevent the occurrence of this problem."
4C
7/18/2012
"... OLAW understands that an anesthetized cat undergoing surgery sustained a skin burn from the heating blanket."
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implemented to correct and prevent recurrence of this problem."
4D
4/30/2012
"... OLAW understands that two infant macaques failed to receive water for one day (although they dad received formula) and a mother with infant in the nursery also failed to receive water."
"... OLAW understand that measures have been implemented to prevent recurrence of this problem."
4E
7/14/2012
"... OLAW understands that a student failed to conduct the daily health check for two frogs for one day. The following day one frog was dead and the other lethargic. The conduct of heath checks was not being documented by the students."
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implemented to prevent recurrence of this problem."
4F
5/15/2012
"OLAW understands that 10 mice received tail snips without anesthesia when the were older than 21 days of age."
"OLAW is satisfied that appropriate actions have been taken to investigate this incident."
4G
6/19/2012
"... OLAW understands that five mice on a food restriction study were provide double their food supply on one day and none the next."
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implemented to correct and prevent the occurrence of this problem."
4H
9/12/2012
"... OLAW understands that an anesthetized rhesus monkey was not being observed at the interval described in the approved protocol. Problem with adequate staffing during the procedure contributed to the problem."
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implemented to prevent the recurrence of this problem."
4I
6/19/2012
"... OLAW understands that a young rhesus monkey died of suffocation after having its head trapped between the cage and squeeze back support."
"No preventative action can be taken as this was an unanticipated accident initiated by the animal's own behavior."
4J
6/12/2012
"... OLAW understands that four mice failed to receive a water bottle on their cage after being weaned."
"...OLAW understands that measures have been implemented to prevent the recurrence of this noncompliance."
4K
8/8/2012
"... OLAW understands that an anesthetized macaque sustained a burn from a heating bag used with a heating blanket to maintain body heat."
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implemented to prevent the recurrence of this noncompliance."
4L
8/8/2012
"... OLAW understands that two adult male rhesus monkeys sustained scratch wounds due to fighting after an animal caretaker inadvertently removed the divider between the two cages."
"... OLAW is satisfied that appropriate actions have been taken to investigate and prevent recurrence of the problem."
4M
8/22/2012
"... OLAW understands that an anesthetized sheep undergoing surgery died due to a close pop-off valve on the anesthetic machine."
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implemented to prevent recurrence of this problem."
4N
9/27/2012
"... OLAW understands that the daily health check for a group of mice was not performed for one day."
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implemented to prevent recurrence of this problem."
4O
8/29/2012
"... OLAW understands that a lesion was created in the aorta of a pig although the approved protocol did not include this anatomical site."
"... OLAW is satisfied that appropriate actions have been taken to correct and prevent this recurrence of this noncompliance."
4P Missing
4Q
11/2/2012
"... OLAW understands the following about the incidents...: 1) A male and female rhesus monkey were inadvertently paired and the female sustained a laceration. The male was subsequently given a higher dose of [an] anti-inflammatory drug than required due to a misidentification of the animal. 2) A monkey escaped and two monkeys entered the same enclosure after pushing out a floor pan door and cage divider because locks had not been attached as required. One of the animals sustained injuries."
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implemented in both situations to prevent recurrence of the problem."
4R
12/5/2012
"... OLAW understands that laboratory staff performed a C-section on a mouse experiencing dystocia [difficult birth]. The surgery was not described in the protocol and was not authorized by the veterinary staff.
"... OLAW is satisfied that appropriate actions have been taken to investigate and prevent recurrence of the noncompliance."
4S Missing
4T
12/12/2012
"... OLAW understands that a student failed to promptly euthanize three mice with tail wounds as directed by the veterinarian. The mice were euthanized six days later."
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implemented in both situations to prevent recurrence of the problem."
4U
2/11/2013
"... OLAW understands that 150 more mice were used than approved on the protocol."
"... OLAW is satisfied that appropriate actions have been taken to correct and prevent recurrence of this problem."
4V Missing
4W
9/13/2013
"The Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW) acknowledges receipt of your September 16, 2013 letter providing an update on a previously reported and closed problem with livestock feed at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Pig and chicken diet prepared at a University feed mill was low in calcium. To ensure quality control of feed, a feed mill committee was formed, new standard operating procedures were established, and a new mill manager was to be hired.
'
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implemented to correct and prevent occurrence of the original problem."
4X
2/26/2013
"... OLAW understands that three cynomolgous monkeys were challenged with a viral dose that was one logarithm greater that the amount described in the approved protocol."
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implemented to correct this problem."
4Y Missing
4Z
5/9/2013
"... OLAW understands that a cow accidentally slipped into the auger channel in the automatic manure handling system and was severely injured.
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implemented to correct and prevent recurrence of this problem."
PHS self-reports
4A to 4Z
4A
4/14/2012
"... OLAW understands the following about the incidents and the corresponding corrective actions: 1) A cage was not securely seated in the rack causing a lixit to leak into lower cages, resulting in the drowning deaths of 19 mice. Corrective action: All lixit nozzles were replaced with shielded water tips on all racks in the facility. 2) A rat was given repeated doses of pentobarbital due to difficulty in anesthetizing the animal. The individual performing the procedure was directed to euthanize the rat ... Intracardiac injection had not been approved in the protocol."
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implemented in both situations to correct and prevent recurrence of the problem."
4B
4/30/2012
"... OLAW understands that a significant change was made to a training protocol without prior approval from the Animal Care and Use Committee. Specifically, rats undergoing non-survival surgery were given saline instead of buprenorphine pre-operatively which constituted a significant change."
"... OLAW is satisfied that appropriate actions have been taken to correct and prevent the occurrence of this problem."
4C
7/18/2012
"... OLAW understands that an anesthetized cat undergoing surgery sustained a skin burn from the heating blanket."
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implemented to correct and prevent recurrence of this problem."
4D
4/30/2012
"... OLAW understands that two infant macaques failed to receive water for one day (although they dad received formula) and a mother with infant in the nursery also failed to receive water."
"... OLAW understand that measures have been implemented to prevent recurrence of this problem."
4E
7/14/2012
"... OLAW understands that a student failed to conduct the daily health check for two frogs for one day. The following day one frog was dead and the other lethargic. The conduct of heath checks was not being documented by the students."
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implemented to prevent recurrence of this problem."
4F
5/15/2012
"OLAW understands that 10 mice received tail snips without anesthesia when the were older than 21 days of age."
"OLAW is satisfied that appropriate actions have been taken to investigate this incident."
4G
6/19/2012
"... OLAW understands that five mice on a food restriction study were provide double their food supply on one day and none the next."
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implemented to correct and prevent the occurrence of this problem."
4H
9/12/2012
"... OLAW understands that an anesthetized rhesus monkey was not being observed at the interval described in the approved protocol. Problem with adequate staffing during the procedure contributed to the problem."
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implemented to prevent the recurrence of this problem."
4I
6/19/2012
"... OLAW understands that a young rhesus monkey died of suffocation after having its head trapped between the cage and squeeze back support."
"No preventative action can be taken as this was an unanticipated accident initiated by the animal's own behavior."
4J
6/12/2012
"... OLAW understands that four mice failed to receive a water bottle on their cage after being weaned."
"...OLAW understands that measures have been implemented to prevent the recurrence of this noncompliance."
4K
8/8/2012
"... OLAW understands that an anesthetized macaque sustained a burn from a heating bag used with a heating blanket to maintain body heat."
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implemented to prevent the recurrence of this noncompliance."
4L
8/8/2012
"... OLAW understands that two adult male rhesus monkeys sustained scratch wounds due to fighting after an animal caretaker inadvertently removed the divider between the two cages."
"... OLAW is satisfied that appropriate actions have been taken to investigate and prevent recurrence of the problem."
4M
8/22/2012
"... OLAW understands that an anesthetized sheep undergoing surgery died due to a close pop-off valve on the anesthetic machine."
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implemented to prevent recurrence of this problem."
4N
9/27/2012
"... OLAW understands that the daily health check for a group of mice was not performed for one day."
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implemented to prevent recurrence of this problem."
4O
8/29/2012
"... OLAW understands that a lesion was created in the aorta of a pig although the approved protocol did not include this anatomical site."
"... OLAW is satisfied that appropriate actions have been taken to correct and prevent this recurrence of this noncompliance."
4P Missing
4Q
11/2/2012
"... OLAW understands the following about the incidents...: 1) A male and female rhesus monkey were inadvertently paired and the female sustained a laceration. The male was subsequently given a higher dose of [an] anti-inflammatory drug than required due to a misidentification of the animal. 2) A monkey escaped and two monkeys entered the same enclosure after pushing out a floor pan door and cage divider because locks had not been attached as required. One of the animals sustained injuries."
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implemented in both situations to prevent recurrence of the problem."
4R
12/5/2012
"... OLAW understands that laboratory staff performed a C-section on a mouse experiencing dystocia [difficult birth]. The surgery was not described in the protocol and was not authorized by the veterinary staff.
"... OLAW is satisfied that appropriate actions have been taken to investigate and prevent recurrence of the noncompliance."
4S Missing
4T
12/12/2012
"... OLAW understands that a student failed to promptly euthanize three mice with tail wounds as directed by the veterinarian. The mice were euthanized six days later."
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implemented in both situations to prevent recurrence of the problem."
4U
2/11/2013
"... OLAW understands that 150 more mice were used than approved on the protocol."
"... OLAW is satisfied that appropriate actions have been taken to correct and prevent recurrence of this problem."
4V Missing
4W
9/13/2013
"The Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW) acknowledges receipt of your September 16, 2013 letter providing an update on a previously reported and closed problem with livestock feed at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Pig and chicken diet prepared at a University feed mill was low in calcium. To ensure quality control of feed, a feed mill committee was formed, new standard operating procedures were established, and a new mill manager was to be hired.
'
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implemented to correct and prevent occurrence of the original problem."
4X
2/26/2013
"... OLAW understands that three cynomolgous monkeys were challenged with a viral dose that was one logarithm greater that the amount described in the approved protocol."
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implemented to correct this problem."
4Y Missing
4Z
5/9/2013
"... OLAW understands that a cow accidentally slipped into the auger channel in the automatic manure handling system and was severely injured.
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implemented to correct and prevent recurrence of this problem."
PHS self-reports 5A to 5Z
UW-Madison's
PHS self-reports
5A to 5Z
5A
5/5/2013
"According to the information provided, a research staffer administered anesthetic to a mouse whose leg was swollen after becoming caught in the cage wire. The individual failed to notify the veterinarian about the injury or the administration of the drug."
"... OLAW is satisfied that appropriate actions have been taken to investigate and prevent recurrence of the noncompliance."
5B
2/26/2013
"... OLAW understands that a marmoset died while under anesthesia due to a veterinary technician closing a port on the endotracheal tube which caused pneumothorax. Also, the anesthesia machine used was nor appropriate for this procedure."
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implemented to prevent recurrence of this problem."
5C Missing
5D
3/11/2013
"... OLAW understands that a rhesus monkey received an overdose of anesthesia based on body weight because the veterinary student responsible failed to verify the animal's identification."
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implemented to prevent recurrence of the problem."
5E
3/7/13
"... OLAW understands that two anesthetics used during a terminal pig surgery had not been described in the approved protocol."
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implemented to correct and prevent recurrence of this problem."
5F
3/13/2013
"... OLAW understands that several mice over 28 days of age were subjected to tail biopsies without anesthesia."
"OLAW understands that the protocol was not PHS-supported, but concurs that the incident was serious and concurs with the actions taken by the Animal Care and Use Committee.
5G
4/29/2013
"... OLAW understands that 15 mice died of suffocation after being transported between facilities in cardboard containers without adequate ventilation."
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implemented to correct and prevent recurrence of this problem."
5H
5/29/2013
"... OLAW understands that one rat was subjected to glaucoma surgery in both eyes although the approved protocol described the procedure for only one eye."
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implemented to correct and prevent recurrence of this problem."
5I
12/18/2013
"... OLAW understands that two additional rhesus monkeys were determined not to have received analgesia per protocol after being injected with subcutaneously with [redacted].
"... OLAW is satisfied that appropriate action was taken to investigate, correct, and prevent recurrence of the noncompliance."
5J
6/24/2013
"... OLAW understands that a young macaque died of asphyxiation after pulling a chain, holding an enrichment device, into the cage and wrapping it around its neck."
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implemented to prevent recurrence of the problem."
5K
11/20/2013
"... OLAW understands that several rats did not have access t water over a three day weekend because the bottles had been turned over to avoid leakage during cage transport."
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implemented to prevent recurrence of this problem."
5L
6/24/2013
"... OLAW understands the following about the incidents...: 1) Due to a transposition of animal weights by a veterinary technician, one nonhuman primate received an overdose of an anesthetic and reversal agent, while the other monkey was under-dosed with the drugs.... 2) A monkey broke its cage lock and escaped. 3) Two adult male macaques sustained fight injuries due to engaging eachother through an open cage divider. The animal caretaker had failed to lock the divider and did not notice the problem during the cage checks."
"Both animals were treated, but one was euthanized under anesthesia due to cardiopulmonary depression." [Neither Google nor either of my two medical dictionaries mention "cardiopulmonary depression."]
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implemented in each situation to prevent recurrence of the problem."
5M
8/7/2014
"... OLAW understands that a jugular cut-down procedure was performed on an anesthetized pig to obtain blood although this procedure was not described on the approved protocol."
"... OLAW is satisfied that appropriate action was taken to investigate and prevent recurrence of the noncompliance."
5N
8/22/2014
"... OLAW understands that a zebra finch broke its leg after flying into the waste pan under the cage as it was being cleaned."
"OLAW concurs with the actions taken to address the situation..."
5O
10/31/2014
"... OLAW understands that two heifers drowned after gaining access to a manure pit."
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implemented to prevent recurrence of this problem."
5P
10/31/2014
"... OLAW understands that an individual was working with zebra fish for an extended period of time but had not been listed on the approved protocol."
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implemented to prevent recurrence of this problem."
5Q Missing
5R Missing
5S
10/31/2014
"... OLAW understands the following about the incidents...: 1) Laboratory staff failed to provide a daily health check on 34 ground squirrels. 2) Two rats died from an overdose of anesthetic. Because the animals were were slow to achieve a surgical plan[e] of anesthesia, the laboratory staff administered additional doses of [the] drug although this had not be[en] approved in the protocol."
"... OLAW is satisfied that appropriate action was taken to investigate, correct, and prevent recurrence of the noncompliance."
5T
10/31/2013 [sic]
"... OLAW understands that two nonhuman primates were able to escape their cage because the lock had been incorrectly placed allowing the animals to open it. One monkey sustained hand wounds which required two partial digit amputations."
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implemented to prevent recurrence of this problem."
5U
11/22/2013 [sic]
"... OLAW understands the following about the incidents...: 1) on two separate occasions, two macaques sustained skin burns due to exposure to an intermittently malfunctioning heat lamp. 2) One macaque escaped its cage and injured its toes. No problem was identified with the cage. A second macaque died due to internal bleeding while undergoing an ultrasound guided liver biopsy.
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implemented in all situations to correct and prevent recurrence of the problem."
5V
1/3/2014
"... OLAW understands that one monkey escaped its cage by bending open the door and then bit another monkey's tongue."
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implemented to correct and prevent recurrence of this problem."
5W
12/11/2013 [sic]
"... (OLAW) acknowledges receipt of your December 9, 2013 letter reporting the suspension of three animal activities at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. OLAW understands that the School of Veterinary Medicine Animal Care and Use Committee (ACUC) took this action after determining that an investigator failed to submit protocol renewals in a timely fashion despite receiving numerous reminders. The protocols involved teaching activities using large animals."
"OLAW understands that the research was not PHS-supported but concurs that the incident was serious and supports the actions taken by the ACUC."
5X Missing
5Y
8/5/2014
"... OLAW understands the following about the incidents...: 1) a rhesus monkey failed to receive a single daily dose of post-operative antibiotics due to a failure to schedule the procedure by a veterinary technician. 2) A PET scan was performed on a monkey outside the time-frame described in the approved protocol."
"... OLAW is satisfied that appropriate actions have been taken to investigate, correct, and prevent recurrence of the noncompliance."
5Z
8/5/2014
"... OLAW understands that a ground squirrel was administered an experimental radio-isotope by oral gavage although the approved protocol stated that this was to be given by intraperitoneal injection."
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implemented to prevent recurrence of this problem."
PHS self-reports 6A to 6Z
UW-Madison's
PHS self-reports
6A to 6Z
6A
8/25/2014
"... OLAW understands that four mice sustained dehiscences [reopening] of their cranial incision sites."
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implemented to correct and prevent recurrence of this problem."
6B
4/25/2014
"... OLAW understands that two mice died and three required euthanasia after recieving an overdose of an anesthetic."
"... OLAW is satisfied that appropriate actions have been taken to investigate and prevent recurrence of the noncompliance."
6C
4/22/2014
"... OLAW understands that over a period of several months four rabbits received expired anesthetics, analgesics, and euthanasia solution."
"... OLAW is satisfied that appropriate actions have been taken to investigate, correct, and prevent recurrence of the noncompliance."
6D
3/27/2014
"... OLAW understands that a male macaque sustained mild facial injuries after escaping from its cage which had not been locked by the animal care staff."
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implemented to correct and prevent recurrence of this problem."
6E
4/25/2014
"... OLAW understands that two mice died and four required euthanasia after developing peritonitis caused by non-sterile intraperitoneal injection of a drug."
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implemented to correct and prevent recurrence of this problem."
6F
4/25/2014
"... OLAW understands that a field study on sloths included attachment of radio collars to the animals although this activity had not been described in the approved protocol."
"OLAW understands that the research was not PHS-supported but concurs that the incident was serious and supports the actions taken by the ACUC."
6G
4/29/2014
"... OLAW understands that a nonhuman primate escaped its cage after a student failed to follow standard operating procedure regarding appropriate locking of the cage. Although the animal sustained no injuries another monkey bit its cage mate in response to the escape."
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implemented to reduce recurrence of this problem."
6H
5/20/2014
"... OLAW understands that twelve mice died unexpectedly following surgery. ... The cause of death was not determined."
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implemented to reduce the likelihood of recurrence this problem."
6I
5/20/2014
"... OLAW understands that due to switched cage cards the wrong dog was used on an imaging procedure. The laboratory staff failed to verify the identity of the dog prior to use. The activity included anesthesia, catheterization, blood draw, and imaging."
"... OLAW is satisfied that appropriate actions have been taken to investigate and prevent recurrence of the noncompliance."
6J
5/28/2014
"... OLAW understands that a rhesus monkey sustained an injury from another monkey after moving the divider between the cages. The panel had not been properly secured by the animal caretakers."
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implemented to correct and prevent recurrence of this problem."
6K
6/6/2014
"... OLAW understands that mice received a different post-operative analgesic than described in the approved protocol."
"... OLAW is satisfied that appropriate actions have been taken to investigate, correct, and prevent recurrence of the noncompliance."
6L
8/15/2014
"... OLAW understands that young turkeys and chickens on a nutrition study experienced slow growth and unexpected mortality due to low levels of micronutrients in the feed."
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implemented to correct and prevent recurrence of this problem."
6M
11/18/2014
"... OLAW understands that 10 young quail died or required euthanization after undergoing poorly performed debeaking procedures."
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implemented to correct and prevent recurrence of the problem."
6N
8/5/2014
"... OLAW understands that steers on a pasture feeding trial experienced bloat and were treated for two days with an outdated bloat drug after the unexpired supplement was depleted."
"OLAW understands that the problem was corrected."
6O
9/18/2014
"... OLAW understands that goats were given feed with a calcium-phosphorus ratio with too little calcium. Two goats developed obstructive urolithiasis and were euthanized. Ultrasound evaluation revealed bladder stones in other goats.... This activity was not PHS funded."
"OLAW is satisfied that appropriate actions have been taken to investigate these incidents and the additional actions taken to prevent recurrence are appropriate."
6P Missing
6Q Missing
6R
8/4/2014
"... OLAW understands the following...: 1) An anesthetized cynomolgus monkey was being carried by a technician when another caged animals grabbed and bit its tail. ...The tail tip was amputated... 2) A macaque was inadvertently fasted for one day because a food deprive tag had been left on the cage. 3) ... OLAW understands that five treatments for nonhuman primates were not performed due to human error by the technician. The treatments were for arthritis and a gastrointestinal problem ...
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implemented to correct and prevent recurrence of the problem."
6S
8/18/2014
"... OLAW understands that mice failed to receive post-operative analgesia as described in the protocol."
"... OLAW is satisfied that appropriate actions have been taken to investigate, correct, and prevent recurrence of the noncompliance."
6T
8/15/2014
"... OLAW understands the following...: 1) A rhesus monkey escaped its cage while being moved to a clean cage and sustained injuries to its cheek and finger. The finger required a partial digit amputation... 2) two marmosets which had been removed from their cage for dosing and blood collection were put back into the wrong cage, fought with the other animals, and one sustained a mild injury."
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implemented to correct and prevent recurrence of these problems."
6U
11/17/2014
"... OLAW understands the following...: 1) Two adult rhesus monkeys sustained skin wounds due to fighting after being placed into test cages that did not have a secured divider. ... 2) For over a three year period, 478 mice failed to receive analgesia following tumor transplant surgery."
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implemented in both situations to correct and prevent recurrence of the problem."
6V
11/17/2014
"... OLAW understands that five mice died and three required euthanasia after receiving fatty acids in ethanol gavage. The concentration of alcohol was not determined in advance and the mice died of ethanol toxicity.
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implemented to prevent recurrence of this problem."
6W
11/21/2014
"... OLAW understands the following...: 1) Mice were being bred and genotyped although this activity had not yet been approved by the animal care and use committee. ... 2) Rats on a water restriction protocol were not given water on one day."
"... OLAW is satisfied that appropriate actions have been taken in both situations to investigate, correct, and prevent recurrence of the noncompliance."
6X
12/3/2014
"OLAW understands that eight monkeys did not have access to water over a weekend due to a laboratory staffer turning off the drinking water line rather than the pan flush water line."
"... OLAW understands that measures have been implemented to prevent recurrence of this problem."
6Y Missing
6Z Missing
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