USDA Finds Full Compliance with Standards for Research and Animal Welfare

PITTSBURGH—During the week of Feb. 27, 2017, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service conducted a four-day focused inspection of animal research laboratory spaces at the University of Pittsburgh, apparently in response to allegations and a video provided to the department.

The University was found in full compliance with the Animal Welfare Act and USDA regulations. View the report (PDF).

This inspection was unannounced and was conducted by three veterinary medical officers who visited multiple University facilities and interviewed a number of the University’s veterinarians, animal care staff members and researchers.

The inspectors did not identify or corroborate any instances of noncompliance with animal welfare regulations, as documented in an inspection report provided to the University on March 3, 2017.

The University’s animal research program has led to a number of breakthroughs in medical care, and the University of Pittsburgh is committed to the highest standards of care for all research animals. This is evidenced by the University’s voluntary participation in the accreditation program of the International Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care and the efforts of veterinarians, veterinary technicians, husbandry staff members and researchers who work to assure that animals are treated as humanely as possible. The University follows the provisions of the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, an internationally recognized standard for care. 

Educational use of animals at the University of Pittsburgh complies with all applicable laws and voluntary accreditation standards. The programs and facilities at the University are USDA registered and covered under an Animal Welfare Assurance with the Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare of the Public Health Service. The University remains committed to the humane care and use of all animals within the context of the advancement of science and medicine.

Resources regarding the use of animals in research:

Primates – The Essential Need for Animals in Medical Research

Speaking of research