08
July
2007
|
18:00 PM
America/New_York

Ohio State's Animal Research Program Fully Accredited

COLUMBUS , Ohio – Ohio State University 's animal research program has once again been fully accredited by the international organization that oversees institutions that use animals in research.

University officials learned of the accreditation decision last week in a letter from Dale G. Martin, the president of the Council on Accreditation for the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International.

Martin's letter said, “The Council commends you and the staff for providing and maintaining a quality program of laboratory animal care and use.

“Especially noteworthy were the University's commitment to maintain a culture of compliance and to provide an increase in resources (i.e., personnel, equipment and improved facilities) to the animal care and use program.”


“Especially noteworthy were the University's commitment to maintain a culture of compliance and to provide an increase in resources (i.e., personnel, equipment and improved facilities) to the animal care and use program.”


Accreditation of an institution by AAALAC is considered the gold standard for ensuring quality within research programs involving animal care and use. Organizations voluntarily submit their programs for evaluation and adhere to strict monitoring programs designed to ensure that research animals receive the finest veterinary care and welfare.

The AAALAC letter also said, “Staff members were highly motivated, and quality veterinary professionals and veterinary technical staff coordinated the commendable program of veterinary medical care.

“This program was uniformly effective and utilized in all 17 facilities and required all personnel (investigators, animal care technicians, veterinary technicians and veterinarians) to be active partners in the program.”

Valerie Bergdall, interim director of University Laboratory Animal Resources, the university office coordinating the program, said, “Being fully accredited by AAALAC validates our serious commitment to insure the health and well-being of the animals in our charge. This endorsement acknowledges the dedication of hundreds of university staff and faculty involved in the program.”

Bob McGrath, senior vice president for research, said, “AAALAC's continuing full accreditation of Ohio State's animal care and use program reflects the dedication, care and commitment to quality that OSU faculty, staff and students bring to this and to so many other aspects of the University's research program.”

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Contact Valerie Bergdall, (614) 292-1561; bergdall+@osu.edu

Written by Earle Holland, (614) 292-8384; holland.8@osu.edu