Could you provide examples of “significant” and “minor” deficiencies and suggest appropriate methods for reporting them in the Institutional Semiannual and Annual Reports?
The term “significant deficiency,” used in the PHS Policy and the USDA Animal Welfare Regulations, refers to any facility or program deficiency that is or may be a threat to the health or safety of animals. Program or facility deficiencies, including accidents and natural disasters, which cause injury, death, or severe distress to animals, are, by definition, “significant.” Although it is not possible to provide an exhaustive listing of examples, some illustrations of significant facility deficiencies include failures in heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems and their associated electrical systems; inoperative watering systems; and general power failures of sufficient duration to affect critical areas such as isolators, barriers, surgical suites, and intensive care units. Minor deficiencies in animal facilities include infrequent findings of peeling or chipped paint, burnt-out light bulbs, missing floor drain covers, and similar problems for which immediate solutions gener
