Under what circumstances must USDA/APHIS be informed of a suspension of animal activities?

The correct choice reflects the requirement that USDA/APHIS must be notified in situations involving USDA-covered species or when there are specific implications under the Public Health Service (PHS) Assurance requirements. This includes instances where the suspension of animal activities could impact the welfare of the animals or the integrity of the research being conducted.

USDA regulations are designed to ensure the humane treatment of animals used in research, and as such, they require reporting when there is a suspension, especially if it affects USDA-covered species, which includes many commonly used laboratory animals. PHS Assurance provides a framework for institutions to adhere to ethical standards, and notifying USDA/APHIS is crucial in maintaining compliance with these guidelines, fostering transparency, and ensuring animal welfare oversight.

The other options do not represent standardized circumstances under which notification is mandated. While adverse events are important to address, the requirement for USDA notification specifically relates to the types of species covered and compliance with established assurances. Similarly, requests for information from committee members or institutions unilaterally deciding to report do not fulfill the regulatory need to inform USDA/APHIS about animal activity suspensions tied to compliance with federal regulations.