Reno animal testing lab fined after macaque killed
in cage washing incident
05-01-2010 By Steve Timko • stimko@rgj.com, RGJ.com, USA
A primate at an animal testing facility in Reno died in April after remaining in a cage as it went through a cage washer, according to a U.S. Department of Agriculture inspection report.
The nearly completed Charles River Laboratory on Maestro Dr. and Longley Lane in south Reno in this September 2007 file photograph. (Tim Dunn/RGJ)
The incident was mentioned in a USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service inspection of the Charles River Laboratory Facility on Longley Lane on June 9. It was brought to light today by the group Stop Animal Exploitation Now!, which charges commercial cage washers “sterilize the enclosures, meaning that this primate was literally boiled alive.”
Amy Cianciaruso, associate director of public relations for a Charles River Laboratory, issued a statement that said the lab cooperated fully with the USDA. The cause of death was going through the cage washer, but as far as being boiled to death, “that was not determined,” Cianciaruso said.
“This unfortunate incident was the result of human error,” the statement said. “We have enhanced our quality control processes at the Reno facility and have implemented these best practices at all of our sites globally. We expect these actions will preclude the recurrence of a similar event.”
The animal that died April 6 was a crab-eating macaque.
The USDA report says twice Charles River Lab workers signed off there were no animals in the cage. They were supposed to check before a pre-cleaning and before putting the cage into the washer, the USDA said in the report.
“Since an animal died, the training was not of sufficient frequency to remind the people to thoroughly look for animals before having the cages washed,” the report said. “This is important for the health and safety of all the animals.”
The report said the issue had already been corrected by the time of the June inspection.
“The procedures have been changed to ensure that no animals will be left in the cages,” the report said.
The Charles River Laboratory statement said several human errors led to the animal’s death. As a result of the laboratory’s investigation, five additional preventative measures have been added to the standard operating procedures to enhance communication among workers during the cage change out. It also added closed-circuit cameras in the dirty cage staging area. It also updated practices at all Charles River sites, it said.
Charles River reached a $10,000 settlement with the USDA after a May 28, 2008, incident when severe heat led to the deaths of 32 primates in the lab on Dunn Circle in Sparks.
Cianciaruso said Charles River paid a fine because of this latest incident but she did not know how much it was. A USDA press spokesman is looking up the case to report the amount.
“Providing humane and high quality care is a priority for Charles River,” the company said in a statement. “Our work is an essential component of the research that has led to new discoveries and has played a vital role in countless medical advances for humans as well as animals.”
(Bron: http://www.rgj.com/)
(Bron foto: RGJ)
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