The University of Washington is dedicated to maintaining the utmost standards of animal welfare and adherence to regulations in all its research initiatives. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) performed an unscheduled inspection of UW’s animal research program in July 2025 as part of its regular annual assessment and to investigate an anonymous complaint submitted to USDA alleging inappropriate treatment of a researcher by the UW Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) as well as the attending veterinarian. Upon examining the situation during the inspection, the USDA concluded that the concern was unsubstantiated.

The inspection revealed non-compliances under the Animal Welfare Act (AWA), three of which had been self-reported by UW ahead of the visit:

1. Failure to adhere to approved protocols (repeat finding): In specific studies, procedures and animal counts surpassed those outlined in the sanctioned IACUC protocol. These discrepancies were recognized, evaluated, and addressed by the IACUC before the inspection took place.
2. Serious concern regarding IACUC decision-making: The attending veterinarian had previously voiced concerns over the withdrawal of an IACUC letter of guidance related to the transport of an elderly nonhuman primate without compliance with established procedures. One animal was euthanized shortly after its arrival due to clinical issues. The USDA highlighted the importance of guaranteeing that the attending veterinarian has complete authority to protect animal welfare.
3. Essential principal investigator (PI) duty to report adverse incidents: An adverse incident involving a nonhuman primate was not reported to the attending veterinarian or IACUC promptly, as mandated under the Animal Welfare Act. Under federal law and university regulations, the principal investigator holds the ultimate responsibility for immediately informing the attending veterinarian about any unforeseen adverse incidents affecting animal welfare. This duty cannot be delegated or postponed. Failing to report in a timely and thorough manner constitutes a direct breach of the AWA and jeopardizes the safeguards established for research animals.

All three issues have been rectified, and the University has enhanced oversight, training, and monitoring to ensure that all staff comprehend and fulfill their obligations for compliance and reporting.

The inspection also uncovered two additional facility-related issues, both quickly addressed:

• Facility upkeep: Repair of chipped paint above primate enclosures to ensure cleanable surfaces.

• Chemical storage: Relocation of chemicals from food preparation areas to avoid contamination.

All noted non-compliances in the report have been resolved, with corrective measures confirmed. The UW IACUC and attending veterinarian will persist in monitoring protocol compliance and adverse event reporting to ensure consistent adherence to the Animal Welfare Act and institutional standards.

“Animal welfare is fundamental to the credibility of our research,” stated Sally Thompson-Iritani, assistant vice provost for animal care, outreach, and the 3Rs (replacement, reduction, and refinement). “While our aim is to prevent any adverse occurrences, we will continue to be transparent in our reporting of any that may arise. We treat all inspection findings with utmost seriousness, and we remain devoted to fostering a culture where compliance, transparency, and humane care are of the highest priority.”