Animal testing lab cleared of conflict of interest

VICTORIA — A review says scientists and government bureaucrats at British Columbia’s animal testing laboratory are not in any conflicts of interest.

Premier John Horgan appointed his top deputy Don Wright last year to review the integrity of B.C.’s animal testing laboratory in Abbotsford after concerns were raised about a potential conflict of interest in test results done on farmed salmon.

Wright said in a statement Thursday the report makes nine recommendations about developing conflict of interest guidelines and conducting regular conflict of interest audits.

“I am satisfied that the Animal Health Centre operates with strong professional, scientific and ethical integrity,” Wright concluded in his review.

“My review process found no evidence of ‘dubious data or conflict of interest.’ ”

Wright said he also agreed with the conclusions of an external review of the provincial lab by consultants Deloitte, also commissioned by the government last year.

“Our independent assessment of the AHC did not identify any evidence of financial or technical conflict of interest regarding the diagnostic activities of the AHC,” says the Deloitte review, released by the premier’s office with Wright’s report.

“There is always the potential for a perception of conflict of interest to arise given the fact that salmon farm operators are subject to periodic Department of Fisheries and Oceans audits, which rely upon the diagnoses of AHC laboratory scientists and veterinary pathologists,” the Deloitte report states.