University Park, Pa. --- Penn State's University Park animal research program was recently awarded continued Full Accreditation by the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) International.
Penn State was first awarded Full Accreditation in 2001. To earn and maintain accreditation, a research program undergoes rigorous site evaluations by a visiting AAALAC team every three years and submits detailed annual reports in between visits.
AAALAC International is a private nonprofit organization that promotes the responsible treatment of animals in science through a voluntary accreditation program. An accredited program must not only conform to the principles outlined in federal guidelines but also demonstrate that it is going beyond the minimums and exhibit excellence in animal care and use.
Candice Yekel, director of Penn State's Office for Research Protections, says, "Continued full accreditation is a symbol of quality and assurance that when animals are used to advance medicine and scientific progress, their well-being is protected. We're committed to the highest standards in animal care and use."
The AAALAC team last visited Penn State during the summer of 2003. The team members were specialists in animal care, including a veterinarian and a laboratory animal resources and research facility director. They examined all agricultural and other research animal facilities and commented that Penn State facilities are well maintained and display the pride and commitment of each facility manager and the animal care staff.
The team commended many aspects of Penn State's animal care and use program including the administration and management, the Protocol Review and Management System (PRAMS), the level of oversight and the dairy hoof care program. The administration and management include the Office for Research Protections, the Animal Resource Program, Occupational Medicine, Environmental Health and Safety and the Office of Physical Plant.
Dr. Eva J. Pell, vice president for research and dean of the graduate school, said full accreditation status from AAALAC gives the University an independent assessment that strengthens its educational programs and enhances its ability to compete for sponsored research.
She added that the highest quality care for animals used in research is absolutely essential in order to produce results that will advance agricultural, scientific and medical progress. At Penn State, animals are only used when the research has the potential to make life better for us all. Examples include Penn State's research on poultry, dairy and other animal food sources and on human disease including cancer, irritable bowel syndrome and diabetes.
"We are pleased to be among those organization recognized by AAALAC to be working to raise the global benchmark for animal well-being in research, Pell added."