Ohio State University's Lab Animal Program Is Accredited
OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY’S LAB ANIMAL PROGRAM IS ACCREDITED
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio State University’s program for using animals in research once again has been accredited by the national organization responsible for overseeing such work.
The Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) International informed that university last week that it had earned “full accreditation,” the top rating the organization bestows.
The accreditation recognizes excellence of both the institution’s University Laboratory Animal Resources (ULAR) operation and the Institutional Laboratory Animal Care and Use Committee (ILACUC), a federally mandated institutional review board charged with monitoring all use of animals in research.
“Receiving full accreditation status is the latest indication of the outstanding commitment and dedication that our staff and faculty bring to our current research efforts,” said Thomas J. Rosol, interim vice president for research and professor of veterinary biosciences. “AAALAC’s accreditation acknowledges that we take seriously our role as good stewards of the animals in our care. This is an important part of a research university’s mission.”
A team of AAALAC representatives visited the campus earlier this year, inspected many of the university’s animal facilities, reviewed records and met with members of the ILACUC. After that visit, AAALAC cited several areas where Ohio State had an opportunity for improvement. Those areas were then immediately addressed by the institution.
ULAR Director William Yonushonis said, “Our philosophy is to treat our animals with dignity and respect, keeping them free from pain and distress whenever possible, and providing them the best quality of life to possible. Doing so allows us to use these animals for the betterment of both human and animal health.”
Michael Ballinger, president of AAALAC’s Council on Accreditation, wrote Rosol saying, “The Council recognizes your efforts to achieve a quality animal care and use program and commends you and your staff for the positive actions taken.”
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Contact: William Yonushonis, Director, University Laboratory Animal Resources, (614) 292-0272; Yonushonis.1@osu.edu. Written by Earle Holland, (614) 292-8384; Holland.8@osu.edu.
