◆ Since the start of the year, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has issued notices of alleged violations of the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) to one university and to a health system in Oregon. Both were belatedly issued. In a warning notice of alleged violation dated Jan. 14, APHIS said it “has evidence” the University of Louisiana at Lafyette violated the AWA on Aug. 26, 2021, related to standards for housing facilities, specifically water and electric power. “The housing facility must have reliable electric power adequate for heating, cooling, ventilation, and lighting, and for carrying out other husbandry requirements in accordance with the regulations in this subpart. The housing facility must provide running potable water for the nonhuman primates’ drinking needs. It must be adequate for cleaning and for carrying out other husbandry requirements,” the notice said.

Also dated Jan. 14 is a notice of alleged violation issued to Legacy Health of Portland related to standards for attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care. APHIS cited provisions in the AWA that require research facilities to “establish and maintain programs of adequate veterinary care that includes: (b)(4) Guidance to principal investigators and other personnel involved in the care and use of animals regarding handling, immobilization, anesthesia, analgesia, tranquilization, and euthanasia.” APHIS said evidence shows this provision was violated Sept. 23, 2021. Unlike in previous years, APHIS now withholds details from warning notices that would indicate the specific type of animal involved—such as the kind of nonhuman primate—and any details about the alleged violations. Both notices state that if “APHIS obtains evidence of any future violation of these federal regulations, APHIS may pursue civil penalties, criminal prosecution, or other sanctions for this alleged violation(s) and for any future violation(s).” (2/17/22)