University lab fined over animal deaths

NASHVILLE, Aug. 28 (UPI) -- Tennessee's Vanderbilt University has agreed to pay a fine and review its laboratory procedures after a baby monkey was killed in a lab accident, officials say.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, which inspects medical research facilities to confirm proper care and handling of laboratory animals, fined Vanderbilt $8,156 over the accidental death of an infant galago monkey that a lab worker failed to notice before throwing cage bedding material with the baby inside into a washing machine, The (Nashville) Tennessean reported Saturday.

The galago monkey, also known as a bush baby, was a newborn unnoticed by the worker, who removed the mother and put the cloth nesting basket in a load of laundry.

The incident happened in 2008, the same year five hamsters in the lab died or had to be euthanized after being injected with an improperly mixed experimental compound, officials said.

In a statement announcing a settlement with the FDA, Vanderbilt officials noted the university itself reported the animals' deaths and took immediate corrective steps.

"Vanderbilt University is firmly committed to the highest standards of care and the most humane protocols for all animals necessary to conduct medical research," John Howser, director of the Medical Center's Office of News & Communications, said in a statement.