citation_inspection: 94

A rabbit died after being left in its cage which was sent through the autoclave for disinfection prior to regular cage washing. The autoclave begins with a prolonged vacuum cycle that the facility veterinary staff determined caused the animal to die by asphyxiation. The animal caretaker had failed to notice that an animal was present in the cage. The incident was reported immediately and the following corrective actions were taken: The individual responsible was given a warning, the light levels in the room were increased during cage changes, cages must now be slid out of the rack when transferring animals, and a second person will now check each cage with a light before placement in the autoclave. Staff has been trained on the new procedures. The person handling the cage, and therefore the animal, was in the process of handling. All research facilities must ensure that handling of animals is conducted as expeditiously and carefully as possible in a manner that does not cause trauma , overheating, excessive cooling, behavioral stress, physical harm, or unnecessary discomfort. Corrected by facility before this inspection as indicated above.