INFORMATION REGARDING USDA INSPECTION CITATIONS
FOR UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER
FROM 2000 THROUGH 2003

July 29, 2003

Numbers of animals not noted in this report.

"Facility records indicate problems maintaining appropriate temperatures in the primate facility enclosures. Temperatures of 96 to 100 degrees F were recorded in March 2003 . . . There are remaining concerns of potential future failures of this system considering the age and deterioration of this facility, which may result in repeat exposure of the animals to temperature extremes that may be detrimental to the health and well-being of the animals."

NOTE: On the UCHSC Primate Lab Daily Report dated 3/13/03, notes indicate, "Took
temp reading in Pen N - range 96–106o" (emphasis added)

OF INTEREST: In the UCHSC Animal Care Program - AAALAC, International Program
Description - Winter 2002-2003 documentation, it states "There have been
no reported deaths due to HVAC malfunction in 3 years." (emphasis
added)

As reported in the Billings (Montana) Gazette on 2/13/2004, "Thirteen
monkeys and dozens of hamsters died over the weekend at Rocky
Mountain Laboratories in Hamilton after they were housed in 100-degree
heat for several hours . . . All of the animals died from excessive heat after
a heater malfunctioned."

"The primate facility is in poor condition . . . These deficiencies present safety hazards to the animals and workers, as well as interfere with maintaining proper sanitation."

2002

Although requested through the Colorado Open Records Act, USDA inspection documents for 2002 were not given to the requestor.

February 28 and March 1, 2001

Numbers of animals - "Rabbits-75, Guinea Pigs-32, Dog-1, Non-human Primates-98,
Sheep-25"

"The rabbit enclosures . . . had excessive excreta in the pans under the mesh floors. . . . the droppings were deep enough that they were coming up through the grated floors."

"Non-compliant item(s) previously identified that have not been corrected: . . . The overhead chainlink primary enclosure ceilings are deeply rusted in all of the primate enclosures in the main corridor."

"This is a warning that you have had the same alleged violation(s) documented on your last two inspections. You are being given the opportunity to correct these violations only for the purpose of facilitating compliance with the Animal Welfare Act and the regulations and standards. If legal action is initiated against you, all alleged violations may be used as evidence at a formal adjudicatory hearing."

October 24, 2001

"Animal inventory: Dogs-24; Rabbits-49, Guinea Pigs-24, Male macaques-21, Female
macaques-44, Infant macaques-2, Pigs-4; Sheep-13"

"No non-compliant items identified during this inspection."

August 16, 2000

"Overhead chainlink primary enclosure roofs have extensive, heavy rust. In several pens . . . overhead chainlink has broken welds and loose wire ends protruding into animal enclosures . . . smaller mesh wire above chainlink has cut-out areas in reach of animals, causing potential for injury by sharp wire ends."

"Water used to clean hallway outside animal enclosures runs under doors into animal enclosures, causing wetting of floor-covering material and food."

"Unprotected flourescent tubes in light fixtures in back room."

"Water drips down walls into pens when it rains outside, causing flooding of pen floors."

"Overhead ductwork and pipes above chainlink roofs of pens have heavy dust buildup. No visible means of accessing these for adequate cleaning."

"Insect scurried under floor racks in cage storage room. Rodent droppings falling out from damaged drop ceiling panels in hallway . . . Rodent droppings in cabinet under the sink in drug storage/kitchen area off of back room."