USDA issued warning to Ohio State after death of 16 animal test subjects

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Federal inspectors found Ohio State University researchers improperly treated 30 animals, leading to 16 deaths.

The United States Department of Agriculture is responsible for ensuring laboratories that test animals treat subjects properly. Two USDA inspections this year found Ohio State improperly cared for animal test subjects, resulting in the deaths of 15 baby ferrets and one pig.

"Ohio State follows all regulations and ethical guidelines for animal research," OSU spokesperson Ben Johnson said. "At each step of the process, the university strives to provide excellent care and minimize discomfort, distress and pain."

In August, the USDA found Ohio State did not provide adequate veterinary care to 29 baby ferrets over the course of two experiments. According to inspection reports, the USDA said the baby ferrets were weak, not fed appropriately and suffered "significant weight loss." Between October 2024 and March 2025, the USDA said 15 baby ferrets were found dead or had to be euthanized.

Johnson said the March testing on ferrets was done by a researcher from a partner university. He said the researcher was responsible for not following proper protocol while researching at Ohio State's facilities.

"Ohio State has made all corrections outlined in the USDA report, and the external researcher is no longer permitted to conduct animal research at Ohio State facilities," Johnson said.

The USDA also looked into the February death of a pig in OSU's care. The USDA found a pig went into cardiac arrest while undergoing anesthesia, which was administered incorrectly. In July, OSU received an official warning of an alleged violation from the USDA, which cited improper veterinary care to the pig.

"A pig involved in a study went into cardiac arrest while under deep anesthesia," Johnson said. "The animal did not regain consciousness and did not suffer."

Johnson said the pig's death was separate from the ferrets, and was investigated by Ohio State. He said OSU discussed the death "in detail" with the USDA during a routine visit.

Laboratories that test animals must adhere to the Animal Welfare Act, and USDA inspections ensure compliance. Scientific research groups and the federal government say these inspections are thorough. Avid animal rights advocacy groups like PETA and the Animal Legal Defense Fund have condemned USDA investigations as inadequate.

Ohio-based animal rights watchdog group Stop Animal Exploitation Now (SAEN) filed two federal complaints against OSU this year. SAEN asked the USDA to fine Ohio State $12,722 per infraction, per animal, the highest penalty. SAEN alleged the mistake should not have been made and indicated noncompliance.

"The fact that this animal was allowed to die this way clearly demonstrates that Ohio State University staff are inadequately trained and unqualified," Michael Budkie, SAEN executive director, said. "If they were adequately trained and qualified this pig would still be alive."

OSU facilities have been inspected by the USDA at least five times in 2025, and three of the five inspections found university researchers to be fully compliant.