Two workers at a national research center say they were threatened with their jobs after questioning how the facility handled the waste of animals used in mad cow disease research.
Richard Auwerda and Timothy Gogerty alerted their bosses and Ames city officials in May that the National Animal Disease Center might be contaminating Ames' sewage plant with diseased tissue and fluids.
Afterward, the two animal caretakers received threats and comments from their bosses who worried how the facility's research would be affected, said Michael Lewis, Auwerda's attorney.
Research at the U.S. Department of Agriculture facility has been stopped until at least August while the caretakers' concerns are reviewed.
Sandy Miller Hays, a spokeswoman for the lab, downplayed the supervisors' comments, characterizing them as "sarcastic" and not serious threats.
"I gather people are wishing they hadn't said certain things," she said Monday.
Lewis, however, said the facility's research leader, Marcus Kehrli, threatened to close the caretakers' unit after the concerns were made public.
A senior official at the Agricultural Research Service, which oversees the facility, spoke with Kehrli and another supervisor about their comments, but no disciplinary action was taken, Hays said.
Auwerda, reached Monday by The Associated Press, referred comment to Lewis. Messages left with Gogerty were not immediately returned.
In raising their concerns, the caretakers compared their facility to another lab located on the same campus - the National Veterinary Services Laboratories.
Auwerda and Gogerty said that facility used a more elaborate safety system on animal waste disposal than their own lab.
They also alerted Ames city officials that animal waste may be getting into the city's South Skunk River.
Independent researchers are reviewing the facility's practices, and a report is expected at the end of August.
The facility's mad cow research involves tests of sick animals.
Mad Cow Comments Provoke Probe
/ AP
Two workers at a national research center say they were threatened with their jobs after questioning how the facility handled the waste of animals used in mad cow disease research.
Richard Auwerda and Timothy Gogerty alerted their bosses and Ames city officials in May that the National Animal Disease Center might be contaminating Ames' sewage plant with diseased tissue and fluids.
Afterward, the two animal caretakers received threats and comments from their bosses who worried how the facility's research would be affected, said Michael Lewis, Auwerda's attorney.
Research at the U.S. Department of Agriculture facility has been stopped until at least August while the caretakers' concerns are reviewed.
Sandy Miller Hays, a spokeswoman for the lab, downplayed the supervisors' comments, characterizing them as "sarcastic" and not serious threats.
"I gather people are wishing they hadn't said certain things," she said Monday.
Lewis, however, said the facility's research leader, Marcus Kehrli, threatened to close the caretakers' unit after the concerns were made public.
A senior official at the Agricultural Research Service, which oversees the facility, spoke with Kehrli and another supervisor about their comments, but no disciplinary action was taken, Hays said.
Auwerda, reached Monday by The Associated Press, referred comment to Lewis. Messages left with Gogerty were not immediately returned.
In raising their concerns, the caretakers compared their facility to another lab located on the same campus - the National Veterinary Services Laboratories.
Auwerda and Gogerty said that facility used a more elaborate safety system on animal waste disposal than their own lab.
They also alerted Ames city officials that animal waste may be getting into the city's South Skunk River.
Independent researchers are reviewing the facility's practices, and a report is expected at the end of August.
The facility's mad cow research involves tests of sick animals.
CBSN: 24/7 Live Stream
Follow Us
Latest From "60 Minutes"
60 Minutes+ debuts on Paramount+
Jonathan Blakely has been named executive producer of the new program, which premieres March 4.
ICYMI: A look back at Sunday's 60 Minutes
Judges say it's time for more security in the face of mounting violence; Then, Holding Syrian President Bashar Assad and his regime accountable for war crimes; And, QAnon's corrosive impact on the U.S.
QAnon's corrosive impact on the U.S.
Tens of millions of Americans believe QAnon's core -- and false -- theory that an evil cabal of Satan-worshipping elites commits atrocities against children and controls much of the world. Where does this movement stand and who has it impacted? Lesley Stahl reports.
Federal judges call for increased security after one judge's son is killed
Judge Esther Salas was in her New Jersey home when a gunman targeting Salas opened fire on her family, killing her son and wounding her husband. Now she's fighting for better protection of judges. Bill Whitaker reports.
Right Rail - Video Promo - Listing
Right Rail - Video Promo - Listing
The enduring popularity of artist Bob Ross
In the 1980s and ‘90s Bob Ross hosted the public television series “The Joy of Painting,” until his death in 1995 at age 52. But ever since, the artist’s instructions in how to paint “happy little trees” have only grown more popular. Correspondent Lee Cowan looks back at the canvas of Ross’ career and the big picture of his life lessons.
Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr. continue to let the sunshine in!
Correspondent Nancy Giles goes up, up and away with two of The 5th Dimension’s founding members, Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr., whose music brought joyful harmonies to the tumultuous ‘60s and ‘70s, and who will soon release their first studio album in nearly three decades, “Blackbird: Lennon-McCartney Icons,” featuring classic Beatles love songs.
The danger of avalanches
In Western states this winter’s weather has produced snowpack conditions that are making avalanches even more threatening than usual. Correspondent Serena Altschul talks with experts about the conditions that create avalanches and how to make wise choices in the backcountry.
Sunday Profile: LeVar Burton
When LeVar Burton switched his career ambitions from the seminary to the stage, his first audition was for the TV miniseries “Roots,” which brought him instant fame as the enslaved Kunta Kinte. Since then the actor became renowned for his role in “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” and as host of the PBS literacy series “Reading Rainbow.” Correspondent Mo Rocca talks with Burton about the broad sweep of his career, including his podcast, “LeVar Burton Reads.”
Ellen Pompeo on the future of “Grey’s Anatomy”
For 17 seasons actress Ellen Pompeo has starred in the longest-running primetime medical drama on American TV. But now her character on “Grey’s Anatomy,” Dr. Meredith Grey, has been diagnosed with COVID-19. Will she, and the show, survive? Correspondent Tracy Smith reports.
Latest From CBS News
New on Netflix, Amazon, Disney+, Hulu and more
Shows, movies and documentaries you'll want to stream soon.
Iceberg larger than New York City breaks off in Antarctica
"Over coming weeks or months, the iceberg may move away; or it could run aground and remain close to Brunt Ice Shelf," Professor Dame Jane Francis, Director of British Antarctic Survey, said in a press release.
Spacewalkers start power system upgrade
Multiple spacewalks planned to upgrade the space station's aging power system
U.N. Human Rights office says 18 killed in Myanmar crackdown
An Associated Press journalist was taken into police custody on Saturday morning while providing news coverage of the protests.
How to watch the Golden Globes
Tina Fey and Amy Poehler will host a bicoastal Golden Globes that was postponed for nearly two months because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Full transcript of "Face the Nation" on February 28, 2021
On this "Face the Nation" broadcast, Dr. Anthony Fauci and RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel sat down with Margaret Brennan.
Right Rail - Gallery Promo
Notable Deaths in 2021
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
New on Netflix, Amazon, Disney+, Hulu and More
Shows and movies you'll want to stream soon.
Joe Biden through the years
Newly elected to be the 46th president, Biden has had a long political career and a personal life filled with triumph and heartbreak.
Astrophotography: Stunning images of Idaho's night sky
The Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, draped over nearly one million acres of wilderness areas and the Sawtooth National Forest, is a major draw for amateur astrophotographers capturing the heavens
The most popular dog breeds in America
The American Kennel Club has released its latest list of the nation's most beloved breeds.
The Uplift — Stories That Inspire
Rescue dog that nobody wanted saves life of new owner
Brian Myers gave Sadie a chance. She saved his life.
N.J. plumber drove his family to Texas to help after devastating storm
Andrew Mitchell may live in New Jersey, but the storm in Texas hit home – so he drove 22 hours to help.
Man donates $20 million to college he dropped out of
Calvin Tyler dropped out of the historically black school in 1963, but has made a huge impact on Morgan State University since.
Rescue animals offer comfort to children with disabilities
Children with disabilities are finding unconditional love from animals with disabilities.
Cancer survivor named to SpaceX flight
Haley Arceneaux will be the youngest American to fly in space.
Ice rink brings Michigan community together during dark winter
Scott Chittle's neighborhood is building special memories at the ice rink he built during the pandemic.