Interview with Dr. Birgit Ledermann: AAALAC
3. About the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) International
What is AAALAC International?
The Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) International is a private, non-profit association that promotes the humane treatment of animals in science through voluntary accreditation and assessment programmes. More than 1,080 companies, universities, hospitals, government agencies and other research institutions in 51 countries and regions have earned AAALAC accreditation, demonstrating their commitment to responsible animal care and use. These organisations volunteer to participate in AAALAC’s programme, in addition to complying with all applicable local and national laws that regulate animal research.
What do institutions have to do to obtain AAALAC accreditation?
AAALAC sets high standards for animal welfare and the well-being of laboratory animals. To obtain accreditation, institutions have to fulfil a range of criteria. These include adherence to national and international animal welfare legislation, providing suitable accommodation and care for the animals, conducting regular health checks and implementing programmes to alleviate pain and manage stress. Institutions also have to produce a comprehensive programme for training staff in animal welfare and correct handling. AAALAC conducts regular visits to ensure that these standards are adhered to.
How does AAALAC operate on site?
To ensure that research with animals and animal care are monitored and conducted in accordance with tried and tested procedures, AAALAC has more than 360 ad hoc consultants who accompany committee members during on-site visits and make recommendations. These consultants – some of whom work for Interpharma member companies – can offer expertise that extends beyond conventional laboratory animal species and can in some cases provide additional expertise in fields such as applied neuroscience, behavioural science, toxicology, pharmacology and physiology.
Mission
AAALAC International improves the welfare of animals in science and education through the accreditation of organisations meeting high standards of humane and responsible animal care and use.
Beginnings
The programme began in 1965, when leading veterinarians and researchers founded the American Association for Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) as a private, non-profit organisation. In the years that followed, AAALAC accredited hundreds of institutions across the United States, raising the benchmark for laboratory animal care to new heights.
«Thanks to the commitment of the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC), the responsible treatment of animals in research has reached new heights internationally.»