USDA levies largest fine in history against Santa Cruz Biotechnology

Credit: HOK and Glowfrog Studios

Santa Cruz Biotechnology, a large supplier of antibodies for biomedical research, has reached a $3.5 million settlement agreement with the USDA over alleged mistreatment of animals used for antibody production. The agreement ends a long-standing USDA investigation over violations in animal welfare standards at the biotech company's facilities. Over the past several years, the USDA has filed several complaints against the company over a lack of appropriate veterinary care for goats and rabbits, cruel and inhumane housing conditions, and a hidden facility where hundreds of animals were being kept off-the-books. Additionally, it was reported that nearly 5,000 animals went 'missing' before a scheduled hearing on USDA complaints. Although Santa Cruz Biotechnology contests the allegations against them, and in their settlement they “neither admit nor deny” violating any of the US animal welfare regulations, the government permanently revoked the company's license to buy, sell or trade animals, as well as cancelling its registration to operate as a research facility using animals. Before the settlement agreement, news on the 'disappearance' of thousands of animals sparked wide outrage in the biomedical research community, with many leaders suggesting a whole-sale boycott of products from Santa Cruz Biotechnology.

Francis Crick Institute appoints Tecniplast as IVC supplier

The newly launched Francis Crick Institute in London, known familiarly as 'the Crick' has appointed Tecniplast as its supplier of individually ventilated cages and systems. As a consortium of the UK's most successful scientific organizations and research universities, the Crick is establishing itself as the largest biomedical research institute in Europe. Perhaps not surprisingly, the Crick chose Tecniplast, one of the largest lab animal equipment suppliers worldwide, to provide its IVC systems to support the estimated 30,000 IVCs the institute's vivarium plans to maintain. Mouse colonies will play an important role in the Crick's mission of pursuing biomedical research aimed at understanding human disease while maintaining the UK's leadership in medical discoveries. “Tecniplast are thrilled to be supplying the Francis Crick Institute and to be part of their drive to be at the forefront of UK biomedical science”, said David Spillane, Tecniplast UK Managing Director.

UC Davis Veterinary Medicine announces four faculty retirements

UC Davis announced the retirement of four outstanding faculty members from its ranks in the Veterinary Medicine program. Patricia Blanchard, DVM '82, PhD '87, DACVP, Professor of Clinical Diagnostic Pathology and Associate Director of the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System (CAHFS), joined the faculty in 1987. Richard Breitmeyer, DVM '80, MPVM '90, and Director of CAHFS, served as the California State Veterinarian for 17 years before moving to UC Davis in 2010. Edward C. Feldman, DVM '73, DACVIM, Professor of Small Animal Internal Medicine, served UC Davis for 37 years, specializing in companion animals and practical diagnostic methodology. Carolyn Stull, MS '79, PhD '84, DACN, DACAWS, Cooperative Extension Specialist, joined the faculty in 1991 and focused her career on improved welfare for agriculture animals.

Careers update

Allentown has announced the appointment of Patrick Hardy as their new Director of Veterinary and Professional Services. With over 40 years of experience in lab animal science, Hardy has held a diverse range of leadership roles throughout industry, including vaccine development and compliance at GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals, and transgenic services at Charles River Europe. At Allentown, Hardy will oversee compliance for veterinary, scientific and regulatory processes across all of Allentown's products. Likewise, he will serve as a 'resident expert' and liaise with the outside community on Allentown products and services.

Science announces Jeremy Berg to become Editor-in-chief

The Board of Directors of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) has elected the new editor-in-chief of Science. Jeremy Berg, who currently serves as Associate Senior Vice Chancellor for Science Strategy and Planning in the Health Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh, will become the twentieth editor-in-chief of the journal. Rush Holt, CEO of AAAS, said: “Jeremy Berg will bring exceptional scientific, technical, and administrative experience and insights to the position of editor-in-chief, and I am confident that he will help us to lift our journal's standards to an even higher level.”