October 23, 2012 • Posted in Reports
Original inspection reports are accessible through the links below (in PDF). Findings from the reports of particular concern and any specific references to chimpanzees are highlighted below. Learn more about Yerkes here.
ADVISORY: In many cases, laboratories with seemingly innocuous inspection citations have been known to be or are in serious violation of humane standards of care, most of which are not even accounted for by federal law. If something is legal to do to an animal it will not be cited. But legality does not make it morally or humanely acceptable. Thus as you read these reports, bear in mind that laws "protecting" animals, as well as the inspection process to enforce these laws, are inadequate from our and the millions of animals in labs perspectives.
Please be advised that while NEAVS/Project R&R continues to closely monitor laboratory inspection reports, we are no longer updating this page as the information is now readily available to you through the USDA.
INSPECTION: March 20, 2003
SITE 001/Emory U.
Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee—Citation:
IACUC semi-annual reports do not include specific plans for corrections or correction dates.
Attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care—Citation:
Multiple expired drug products in Woodruff Building procedure room (heparin, ketamine, and suture material) and Room 8022 (atropine). Expired products may not produce desired effect. Correct by 21 March 03.
Housing facilities, general—Citation:
Multiple rooms in Rollins building have excess condensation along the ceilings and walls due to malfunctioning HVAC system.
INSPECTION: March 19, 2003
SITE 004/Emory U.
Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee—Citation:
IACUC semi-annual reports do not include specific plans for corrections or correction dates.
Primary enclosures—Citation:
The floor of QIF Room 4 (testing area) is dirty and in need of cleaning. There are multiple pieces of old candy and roaches on the floor underneath the primate testing area.
INSPECTION: March 18, 2003
SITE 002/Yerkes
Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee—Citation:
IACUC semi-annual reports do not include specific plans for corrections or correction dates.
Housing facilities, general—Citation:
Several enclosures have exposed sharp objects that may injure animals. In G8, M5, S3, A1, A2, A3 and C2, there are sharp points exposed along the upper edge of the chain link material on the interior aspect of the primary enclosures. G8, M5, and BC2 have wire mesh panels attached to the primary enclosures. These panels are secured with wire which, in some areas, has become frayed or bent to expose sharp edges. Correct by 05 April 03. [This was corrected according to the Aug 25, 04 report].
There were a total of six citations in this category for additional problems such as peeling, chipped paint; metals posts protruding from floors and inadequate drainage. [These were noted to have been corrected during August 4, 2003 inspection. See below]
INSPECTION: April 3, 2003
SITE 002/Yerkes
Focuses inspection of A-Compound performed at Yerkes Field Station 03-Apr-03. No non-compliant items identified on inspection today.
INSPECTION: August 4, 2003
SITE 004/Emory U.
Focused Inspection of Yerkes Main Station 04 Aug 2003.
No non-compliant items identified on inspection today.
Non-compliant items cited on 19 Mar 03 have been corrected.
INSPECTION: August 5, 2003
SITE 002/Yerkes
Housing facilities, general—Citation:
Six citations in this category for problems with excessive peeling paint, exposed rust, and eroded concrete walls, including the below:
In G-12 areas of concrete wall on the indoor portions of chimpanzee primary enclosures are chipped in areas directly below the animal doors. This inhibits proper cleaning and sanitization of the area. Correct by 01 Oct. 03.
Primary enclosures—Citation:
The stainless steel bars constructing the roofs of the indoor primary enclosures in BC-1, T3, and T2 have excess accumulation of organic debris on them. Organic material inhibits proper cleaning and disinfection of the primary enclosure. Correct by 08 Aug 03.
INSPECTION: December 13, 2004
SITE 001/Emory U.
Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee—Citation:
There is evidence of recent water damage to the ceiling of Crawford-Long room 9650 (cath lab). Facility staff report this is the result of recent heavy rains. The leaking ceiling must be repaired and damaged ceiling tiles replaced to allow this area to be aseptically maintained.
[This citation is recorded under “Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee” because of a clause in the law that reads: “The IACUC shall determine that the proposed activities or significant changes in ongoing activities meet the following requirements: … Major operative procedures on non-rodents will be conducted only in facilities intended for that purpose which shall be operated and maintained under aseptic conditions.”]
Primary enclosures—Citation:
2 pair-housed adult cats in room G27 are not provided proper resting surfaces. Each cat is provided a fleece bed on the floor of the enclosure. Cats must be provided elevated resting surfaces to allow for species-typical behaviors. Correct by: 21 Dec 04.
INSPECTION: November 17 - 18, 2004
SITE 004/Emory U.
Housing facilities, general—Citation:
There are multiple areas of peeling ceiling paint in room RC236. There are several areas along the ceiling where the peeling paint has been patched; however, the ceiling condition has deteriorated further. Correct by 31 Jan 05.
Primary enclosures—Citation:
The outdoor aspect of the capuchin indoor/outdoor entry way in the RD side A … has a crack in the upper portion of the metal rim around the entry. This worn area may lead to animal injury. Correct by 30 Nov 04.
Cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping and pest control—Citation:
There is excessive accumulation of powdery, white chemical residue on the floor of the cage wash area of room 122 and the adjacent hallway. Chemicals may be tracked into animal areas by personnel (on feet or clothing). This area must be cleaned to prevent contamination of animal housing or food storage areas. Correct by 30 Nov 04.
There are excess dead roaches and rodent droppings in the veterinary treatment/storage areas by the Great Ape Wing. Although there has been much improvement in rodent control measures and staff report decreased rodent sightings, vigilant pest control must continue to further reduce this problem. Problem areas must be cleaned as often as necessary to remove dead roaches and rodent droppings from floors. To be corrected from this day forward.
Two additional citations for excessive numbers of flies and roaches.
INSPECTION: August 25, 2004
SITE 002/Emory U.
Citations for failure to meet minimum standards for transport enclosures. [Inspection initiated in response to the death of Dover, who died from suffocation while being transported.]
Primary enclosures used to transport nonhuman primates
The type of transport enclosure utilized for chimpanzees was inspected. The enclosure consists of a stainless steel box with solid flooring, roof, rear, and sides. Ventilation openings are present only on the front of the enclosure. Upon review of circumstances surrounding death of chimpanzee “Dover,” it was noted that the ambient temperature of the transport vehicle with air conditioning functioning was 84 degrees Farenheit [sic]. While the temperature of the inside of the primary enclosure at the time of transport is unknown, poor ventilation contributes to increasing temperatures within primary enclosures. Ventilatory openings present on one aspect of the enclosure do not meet minimum requirements for non-permanently affixed transport enclosures as described in (c) (1) of this section. Correct by 30 Nov 04.
INSPECTION: January 11, 2005
SITE 002/Emory U.
Housing facilities, general—Citation:
…The exterior compound wall of S-4 is deteriorating…Excessive swaying of this wall was observed when the animals jumped on it…There is a broken metal mirror that is becoming detached from its base…Debris falling into animal enclosures may result in animal injury… The drains in compounds T3 and T4 are clogged with food debris, cardboard, and enrichment devices.
INSPECTION: June 14, 2005
SITE 004/Emory U.
Personnel qualifications and animal handling—Citation:
Personnel conducting studies in NS lab 2248 were observed utilizing inappropriate restraint methods. Two Rhesus macaques were chaired for a series of blood collections. The forearms/hands and lower legs/feet of each animal were secured to the frame of the chair with duct tape. There was no padding/protective layer under the tape and the fingers and toes could not be visualized. This results in animal discomfort, inability to monitor distal limbs for vascular compromise, and limited ability to quickly and safely release the animal. Questioning of the involved individuals indicates poor understanding of humane methods of animal experimentation…
Cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping—Citation (repeat NCI):
Animal pharmaceutical products and carcasses are stored in the same refrigerator/freezer unit… Numerous laboratory chemicals are co-mingled with pharmacy items…Such hazardous items pose risk of contaminating the drug storage area and are a threat to animals and humans working in the immediate area.…Increased emphasis is required in several rooms with continued pest control issues including…interior portion of Great Ape Wing (roaches in cracked/peeling flooring).
INSPECTION: July 13, 2005
SITE 001/Emory U.
No non-compliant items identified on inspection today.
INSPECTION: September 30, 2005
SITE 004/Emory U.
Attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care—Citation:
Two NS laboratories are improperly storing drugs…Because these storage methods facilitate bacterial contamination of drugs, proper storage practices must be followed.
INSPECTION: January 19, 2006
SITE 002/Emory U.
Cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping, and pest control—Citation (repeat NCI):
Climbing structures in outdoor portion of S3 are excessively dirty… There is a rodent infestation of the premises…a live rat eating monkey chow was observed on a ledge above the indoor animal enclosures. A dead rat was removed from an animal area by care staff. Live roaches were observed in and around the light fixtures of the indoor portion of M3.
INSPECTION: March 16, 2006
SITE 003/Emory U.
Attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care—Citation:
Expired drugs were noted… NS #1271 has a bottle of chemical-grade heparin in area where animal pharmaceuticals are stored. Available laboratory staff did not know purpose of this product… There are cleaning products stored on the top shelf above the sink in RB Veterinary Treatment room. On the shelf immediately below is a bin containing oral medications for animals. …The chemicals or medications must be relocated to minimize risk of cross-contamination.
Handling of animals—Citation:
Several animals were observed in transport boxes on the floor of the hallway of building RB…The enclosures were placed side-by-side in the hallway. This arrangement causes the ventilatory openings of some enclosures to directly contact a solid wall of an adjacent enclosure. This can significantly limit ventilation within an enclosure.
INSPECTION: May 16, 2006
SITE 001/Emory U.
Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee—Citation:
Cracks and holes are visible in the exposed foundation. The unsealed floor creates a surface that cannot be aseptically maintained. This problem appears to be related to an underlying foundation problem. Woodruff surgery laboratory B011 is not aseptically maintained. The animal heating pad on the operating table is dirty. Additionally, the floor is in need of cleaning.
INSPECTION: July 11, 2006
SITE 003/Emory U.
Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee—Citation:
Study conducted on [redacted] had protocol amendments submitted to IACUC on 24 May 2006. The amendment was formally approved by IACUC on 06 July 2006. The study had been conducted under the amended protocol prior to IACUC approval of the proposed study changes.
Personnel Qualifications—Citation:
Death of a macaque (PWc2) occurred due to equipment that was incorrectly assembled. Recent construction in the area and new employees are contributing factors to this incident. To be corrected from this day forward (July 11, 2006).
Attending veterinary and adequate veterinary care—Citation:
Poorly labeled equipment contributed to the anesthetic death of animal PWc2. Laboratory equipment must be properly labeled and maintained. New methods of labeling pressurized gas lines have been implemented. To be corrected from this day forward (July 11, 2006).
INSPECTION: December 14, 2006
SITE 002/Emory U.
Housing facilities, general—Citations:
[For the nonhuman primates’ indoor enclosures, multiple areas were written up for: large cracks in the ceiling and floor; peeling paint on the walls and ceiling and exposed rust underneath them; and chipping and peeling paint and cracks on the outer walls and floors.]
The freezer in the kitchen is malfunctioning. Excess condensation from the fans has dripped onto food items. The food items have become soaked and encased in ice
There are 2 sacks of open monkey biscuits sitting on a pallet in the dry feed storage area. Open bags of feed not in current use must be kept in a leak proof container with a tight lid to prevent spoilage and to facilitate rodent control…Evidence of rodent activity was noted in the M1B treatment area…and in D1/D2. These areas require additional control measures. Correct By: 12-15-07.
INSPECTION: February 22, 2007
SITE 003/Emory U.
Housing facilities, general—Citation:
[Primate housing facilities again had peeling paint and loose caulk in multiple areas. A roach infestation was seen in the small primate wing, particularly in the light fixtures.]
Indoor housing facilities – Citation:
[Lighting]: 2 banks of lights directly above the animal enclosure in RB12 (1 chimpanzee) are not functioning. Lighting in animal areas must be uniformly diffused. Correct By: 3-1-07.
INSPECTION: June 6, 2007
SITE 001/Emory U.
Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee—Citation:
Rollins room G18 currently utilized for ovine and porcine operative procedures has an excessively dirty blanket for animal use stored in the procedure area…This blanket has areas of dried, caked fecal material on it. Items utilized in animal procedure rooms must be either disposable or must be able to be effectively cleaned and sanitized…Correct By: 6-8-07.
Facilities, indoor – Citations:
The floor of the Rollins rabbit room containing 4 rabbits has multiple small pits in the flooring. Indoor housing surfaces must be maintained in a manner that allows proper cleaning and sanitation…There is flaking paint and black discoloration of the wall in this area [rabbit room]. Correct By: 8-1-07.
[Poor lighting was also noted in the feed storage area for the rabbits and one primary rabbit enclosure had standing water beneath it due to a leaking watering system.]
Facilities, general—Citation:
One primary enclosure housing 2 pigs has damaged chain link on the cage front. There is a piece of wire protruding toward the animals that poses risk of animal injury. The enclosure must be replaced or repaired to eliminate the sharp area. Correct By: 6-8-07.
INSPECTION: December 11, 2007
SITE 002/Emory U.
Primary Enclosures and general housekeeping—Citations (repeat NCI)
[Floors in the nonhuman primates’ indoor enclosures were noted as having multiple cracks throughout and some exposed surfaces. A roach problem was seen in one of the indoor housing facilities and dead roaches had accumulated inside the lamp covers.]
INSPECTION: February 12, 2008
SITE 003/Emory U.
Personnel Qualifications—Citation
15 animals are temporarily housed in transport boxes in the QIF hallway during room cleaning. These boxes are designed for employee safety during short-term (room-to-room) transfer as they have ventilatory openings on only the front and 1 side of the box. The 15 boxes are positioned in a manner that obstructs the ventilatory openings. Boxes nearest to the wall are in contact with a wall bumper that obstructs the upper half of the ventilatory openings on the side. On some boxes, the projection rims on the box front/rear overlap, allowing the front ventilatory openings to be obstructed by adjacent boxes. Training and instruction appropriate personnel in transport box handling must be provided to ensure that ventilation is not compromised. Correct by: 28 Feb 08.
Housing Facilities, General—Citation
Animal test boxes in NS Lab 2248 are in disrepair. Several box doors are cracked/chipped on the interior aspect, exposing underlying particle board. This surface cannot be properly cleaned and sanitized. Surfaces of housing facilities must be maintained so that they can be readily cleaned and sanitized. Correct by: 15 Mar 08.
INSPECTION: June 2, 2008
SITE 001/Emory U.
Sanitation—Citation
Peavine room 16 used for animal holding/receiving contains a cloth-seat char that cannot be adequately cleaned and sanitized. Furniture in animal rooms must be readily sanitizable to facilitate proper husbandry practices. Correct by: 06 Jun 08.
INSPECTION: March 17, 2009
SITE 003/Emory U.
Cleaning, Sanitization, Housekeeping, and Pest Control—Citation
In IDB room 105, there is an NHP refrigerator with a soiled bottom. Refrigerators used for non human primate food or drugs should be kept clean to facilitate the husbandry practices required by the Act. Corrected immediately.
INSPECTION: March 19, 2009
SITE 002/Emory U.
Cleaning, Sanitization, Housekeeping, and Pest Control—Citation
In building G2, there are dead roaches present in all of the light fixtures. In building S7-8, there are dead roaches present in some of the light fixtures. Some live roaches were seen on the floor of S7-8 as well.
In building M1B, S5-6, S7-8, and G2 testing there are rodent droppings present. While the institution does have a pest control program in place, the areas cited need special attention and/or adjustments to the pest control measures currently being done. This is necessary to ensure the health and well being of the regulated species, namely non human primates. Correct by September 19, 2009.
INSPECTION: September 17, 2009
SITE 002/Emory U.
Focused inspection in response to complaint of animal death
No noncompliance items noted at the time of the documentation review or during the conclusion of this inspection.
INSPECTION: March 23, 2010
SITE 002/Emory U.
Cleaning, Sanitization, Housekeeping, and Pest Control—Citation
In one of the indoor/outdoor primate runs there it was observed that there was peeling and flaking rust on several of the steel support cross bars located in the ceiling. These cross bars are such that they are situated over the open mesh tops of the runs. The holes of the mesh tops are large enough that the peeling rust flakes can fall into the runs. This poses an ingestion hazard for the animals. Also, excessively rusted materials do not allow for adequate cleaning and sanitization. The cross bars need to be repaired to eliminate the ingestion hazard and the excessive rust. Correct by 5/01/10.
INSPECTION: May 18, 2010 - June 29, 2010
SITE 003/Emory U.
Miscellaneous—Citation
On April 1st, 2010 an incident occurred at the facility which had the potential to have a serious impact on the health and well being of 3 of the primates. The incident involved a cage where the 3 primates were housed that was mistakenly placed in a cage washer. The mistake was discovered before the washer could cycle and the animals were not harmed. Official reports were made to all relevant personnel. The facility did reevaluate and adopted new procedures to aid in preventing recurrence of this incident, where in this instance, the previous procedures were compromised by the individuals involved and led to the April 1st incident. It is incumbent upon the facility to ensure that all procedures are adequately and properly followed at all times... Given that corrective measures have already been implemented, the facility needs to ensure that this is policy to be followed from this time forward.
Cleaning, Sanitization, Housekeeping, and Pest Control—Citation
In the small primate wing nursery, there were live insect vermin noted along the left wall. This area houses animals that are extremely susceptible to harmful disease entities. Insect vermin are known to harbor and transmit harmful diseases and pose a disease hazard to animals. Increased pest control measures should be implemented in this area to reduce and/or eliminate this hazard. Correct by 5/31/2010.
INSPECTION: June 28, 2010
SITE 003/Emory U.
No non-compliance items identified during this inspection.
INSPECTION: June 29, 2011
SITE 002/Emory U.
This focused inspection conducted in response to an animal incident that occurred on June 15, 2011 in which a juvenile female macaque was found to be missing from her enclosure. Results of the investigation by the facility to date are inconclusive. The incident is still under review.
INSPECTION: July 20, 2011
SITE 001/Emory U.
No non-compliant items identified during this inspection.