Ohio University Receives Accreditation For Animal Care

Contact: Andrea Gibson (740) 597-2166, gibsona@ohio.edu

ATHENS, Ohio (May 1, 2000) -- The Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International (AAALAC International) -- a private, nonprofit organization that promotes the responsible treatment of animals in science -- has awarded Ohio University's Laboratory Animal Resources division accreditation for meeting high standards of animal care.

Laboratory Animal Resources feeds, houses and cares for animals and assists with about 100 research projects annually at Ohio University.

"The association addresses the care of animals used in both a research and teaching setting," said Jo Ellen Sherow, director of Laboratory Animal Resources. "This accreditation assures that we meet or exceed federal standards for animal care."

The accreditation is important, Sherow said, because it helps attract quality researchers to the institution and gives the university access to an outside agency that will act as an advocate for the division. Programs benefit from this recognition because fewer federal inspections are needed, viability is increased and it is easier to obtain federal grants.

AAALAC International examined the institution's policies, animal husbandry, veterinary care and physical plant issues. To receive accreditation, Laboratory Animal Resources evaluated its procedures and upgraded its animal facilities. The process of accreditation, which started 10 years ago, involved university researchers, deans, department heads and the vice president for research.

Institutions maintain their accreditation by annually submitting an update that includes changes and the current status of the animal care program. Every three years, AAALAC International performs an on-site re-evaluation. The organization provides accreditation to more than 600 institutions around the world.

All members of Laboratory Animal Resources belong to and are certified by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science. Four of the seven employees have received regional awards as animal caretakers, and one has been recognized nationally.