YEMASSEE, S.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--An inspection of Alpha Genesis, Inc. (AGI) by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) earlier this month found zero non-compliant items, Company officials said today. Inspectors from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) made a routine, unannounced focused visit to AGI facilities October 24-26, 2016. AGI is an industry-leading Primate Breeding and Research facility located in Yemassee, South Carolina.
“The Animal Care and Research Programs at Alpha Genesis, Inc. contribute significantly to advancing scientific knowledge and to saving, improving and prolonging the lives of humans and animals. The Programs do so while upholding the highest standards of regulatory compliance and of humane and responsible treatment of nonhuman primates,” according to a statement from the Executive Offices of the Company.
Animals are used in research only when no alternatives exist, AGI officials said. The potential benefits of primate research include an improved understanding of cancer, infectious diseases, neurological disorders, spinal cord injuries, basic biological and behavioral processes, and the development of new medicines, vaccines, devices and other treatments, according to scientific researchers.
A focused USDA Inspection is an intensive program review process in which a highly qualified team of experts is brought in by the USDA to thoroughly examine animal health, housing facilities, veterinary care, medical documentation, and work practices of a licensed facility. “To have no non-compliant items found during such a comprehensive detailed inspection by highly-qualified and highly-trained experts speaks volumes in support of the excellent Animal Care provided to the primates at Alpha Genesis facilities, and is testament to the dedication and strong work ethic of the staff who do this important and challenging work,” according to Dr. Greg Westergaard, President and CEO of Alpha Genesis, Inc.
