NEWS
INSTITUTIONS USING RESEARCH ANIMALS CAN NOW RECEIVE EVALUATION AND ACCREDITATION SERVICES THROUGH BRUSSELS LOCATION
AAALAC International (the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International) has opened a second office in Brussels, Belgium, to provide evaluation and accreditation services to European institutions that use animals in research, teaching or testing. Effective immediately, the Brussels office will support AAALAC''s two key programs: AAALAC Accreditation, and its new Program Status Evaluation service. Both programs are voluntary and are open to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, universities, hospitals and other institutions that use research animals.
The long-standing AAALAC Accreditation program includes an extensive evaluation and peer review that provides a thorough, confidential assessment of an animal care and use program. Programs that meet or exceed AAALAC standards (which are based on national requirements and the principles outlined in the widely-recognized Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals published by the National Research Council, 1996), are awarded AAALAC Accreditation. More than 620 institutions in 10 countries have successfully completed the rigorous process of earning accreditation, demonstrating their commitment to responsible animal care and use. Institutions use accreditation as a symbol of accountability and assurance that animals are treated and used humanely. Because good science demands quality animal care, accreditation is also used to assure the validity of research results.
AAALAC''s new service, the Program Status Evaluation, provides an in-depth assessment of all aspects of an animal research program, including animal husbandry, veterinary care, institutional policies, and the facilities where animals are housed and used. Aside from providing a thorough review, the evaluation also helps institutions gain a better understanding of the accreditation process and where they stand in terms of meeting AAALAC requirements.
"Opening a European affiliate office complements the launch of our new Program Status Evaluation service. Both reflect AAALAC''s commitment to reach out to international colleagues and assist them in learning more about the benefits of accreditation, and how it differs from --and augments-- their local and national regulatory programs. Our hope is that by increasing the number of institutions participating in the accreditation and evaluation programs, AAALAC will assist in ongoing efforts to harmonize standards for animal care and use throughout the international scientific community", said Dr. John Miller, D.V.M., executive director for AAALAC International.
A full range of information services will be provided through the Brussels office. Institutions seeking information and application packages for AAALAC Accreditation or the Program Status Evaluation service can call, e-mail or fax the office directly. Institutions already accredited can obtain the materials needed to maintain their accreditation. Requests for general information on AAALAC''s role in promoting animal well-being in science can also be directed to the Brussels location.
To contact AAALAC''s European office, write AAALAC International, Avenue de Tervueren 402, 1150 Brussels, Belgium, telephone +32.2.761.66.78, fax +32.2.761.66.79, e-mail accredit_europe@aaalac.org, or visit AAALAC''s Web site at http://www.aaalac.org. All pertinent materials are currently available in english and french. Materials will be translated into other languages as such needs are identified.
Established in 1965, AAALAC International is a private, nonprofit organization that promotes the humane treatment of animals in science through voluntary accreditation and evaluation programs. Institutions seeking accreditation receive independent, expert assessments of their animal care and use programs. Those that meet or exceed applicable standards are awarded accreditation. Attaining and maintaining accreditation demonstrates a commitment to the responsible and ethical treatment of animals used in research, teaching and testing. More information is available on AAALAC''s Web site at http://www.aaalac.org.
