OHSU monkeys

Oregon Health & Science University has nearly 5,000 primates at its Beaverton research center. In 2012, "chimeric" monkeys developed from stem cells taken from two separate embryos were born there.

(Oregon Health & Science University)

An animal rights group has filed a complaint with federal authorities over the death of a primate at Oregon Health & Science University.

Stop Animal Exploitation Now, based in Ohio, called on the U.S. Department of Agriculture to fine OHSU the maximum of $10,000 per animal and infraction.

"It is time for the USDA to act," Michael Budkie, executive director of the group, said in a statement. "How many more monkeys must be injured or killed before the USDA takes action to end the abuse?"

The USDA, which oversees research primate centers, outlined the death in a routine inspection in February. A technician administered the wrong dose of insulin one evening, causing two macaques to be unresponsive in the morning. One was treated and recovered; the other had to be euthanized.

OHSU retrained the employee, the report says.

Inspectors also said a baboon at the primate center suffered a hand fracture caused by a dividing guillotine-type door. The animal was treated and eventually euthanized.

The primate center's director responded to the complaint with a statement, saying, "The Oregon National Primate Research Center is committed to humane, respectful treatment and the best possible veterinary care for every monkey at the center. For this reason, an accidental death or injury to any monkey is upsetting to all of us."

In addition to the two incidents, the report cited OHSU for giving five animals a drug outside study protocols and for not cleaning "head caps" of two monkeys weekly.

The report said those issues were addressed.

The animal rights group also filed complaints against OHSU last year over animal deaths and injuries. It said the USDA is investigating.

An OHSU spokesperson said the univeristy has never been informed of an investigation. "There is no evidence of that," said Tamara Hargens-Bradley.

OHSU conducts a wide range of animal research, covering everything from alcoholism, cardiovascular disease and multiple sclerosis to new cancer therapies and vaccines against HIV, human papillomavirus and tuberculosis.

It has about a half-million animals in research, mostly mice and Zebrafish. Nearly 5,000 primates are housed at the research center in Beaverton.

Under federal regulations, OHSU is required to report all unexpected outcomes to one of its two internal animal welfare committees. It also must report to federal authorities any serious noncompliance with the Animal Welfare Act.

Federal authorities carry out routine inspections as well.

-- Lynne Terry