UVa disputes USDA findings after 40 birds used in research die

The University of Virginia has been found responsible for the death of 40 sparrows used in scientific research earlier this year.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service determined that the birds died because the aviary that housed them did not sufficiently protect them from a predator’s attack. The federal agency only issued a warning to the school, which does not carry a penalty but could lead to criminal prosecution later if UVa commits future violations.

It’s not the first time the university’s testing on animals has come under fire. Just last year, two UVa researchers had their animal-handling privileges temporarily suspended after reports showed they regularly neglected their own protocols and harmed multiple animals on federally funded project