Recognized for excellence in animal care and research, the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International has reaffirmed its confidence in the University’s animal care and use program.
Accreditation by AAALAC International is recognized globally as the gold standard for ethical animal care and use in teaching and research.
Now in its 60th year, AAALAC has grown from 30 charter institutions to a network of more than 1,100 accredited organizations across 55 countries and regions worldwide.
This summer, the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, chaired by Peter Mathers; the animal care program, led by attending veterinarian Tara Cotroneo; and members of the Office of Animal Welfare welcomed AAALAC site visitors for a comprehensive evaluation of the University’s program and facilities.
During the visit, representatives toured the animal research facilities and met with numerous faculty, staff and students engaged in animal-based research and teaching. Following the review, WVU was granted full accreditation at the AAALAC Council’s fall meeting.
In its official notification to Ming Lei, interim vice president for research, AAALAC highlighted several exemplary aspects of the WVU program, including the following:
• The dedicated, knowledgeable veterinary and animal program staff who balance scientific advancement with animal welfare.
• The remarkable collaboration among veterinarians, researchers, post-approval monitors, and compliance and safety personnel to achieve both scientific and welfare goals.
• The strong institutional support for animal research, reflected in the well-maintained vivaria.
AAALAC also commended the WVU IACUC for its “collegial, active and engaged” oversight of the animal research program, as well as for its annual recognition of outstanding contributions to animal welfare within the university community.
Special acknowledgment was given to Darrell “Dan” Ringer, community representative on the IACUC, who this year marks his 40th year of service to WVU. Ringer has played a vital role in representing community perspectives on the ethical use of animals in research and teaching.
The AAALAC Council identified no deficiencies requiring correction, a significant achievement. The Council offered only minor suggestions for improvement in two areas of documentation, one cleaning procedure and one guidance document related to aquatic species.
The IACUC extends its sincere gratitude to faculty, students and staff for their preparation and participation during the site visit, and to Lei, Melanie Page and Dr. Clay Marsh for their essential leadership and support throughout the accreditation process.