AWIC

Animal Welfare Information Center Newsletter

Provided by the Animal Welfare Information Center
United States Department of Agriculture
National Agricultural Library

July - December 1991 Vol.2, No. 3/4

ISSN: 1050-561X

AAALAC Promoting Quality Animal Care and Use

by

Alies Muskin
Professional and Public Relations Coordinator
American Association for the Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care
In the last 50 years, society has witnessed the emergence of new fields of science and countless advances in technology and medicine never before imagined. Every major medical breakthrough credits research involving animals. It is therefore difficult to allow oneself to envision a time when laboratory animal science did not exist, a period when knowledge about the care and use of animals was limited and there were no uniform standards or accepted guidelines. Environmental conditions varied, and, in short, the overall health of laboratory animals was poor.

The outcome of the rapid explosion of the use of animals in research after World War II was the birth of laboratory animal medicine. Only in its infancy, the laboratory animal community had much new territory to chart. Already under pressure from antivivisectionist groups, the call for Federal regulations was growing. However, it was 1963 before the first comprehensive guidelines, the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (commonly referred to as the Guide), were published. Federal regulations were not enacted until 1966, after the Animal Welfare Act was passed. These two activities were indications of the increasing awareness and concern of scientists, and the public, for standardizing the care and use of animals in research, teaching, and testing.

At about the same time, the Professional Standards Committee of the Animal Care Panel (now known as the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science) recommended the formation of an independent organization to accredit laboratory animal programs. In conceptualizing the organization, it was proposed that participation in the accreditation program be voluntary. Accreditation would provide extensive self-evaluation, and site visits would be conducted by peers experienced in the field of laboratory animal medicine. The vision of the accreditation program was to provide a voluntary program that would enhance activities in research, teaching, and testing by fostering standards of animal care and use.

This has been the focus of the American Association for Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) since its formation in 1965. AAALAC's mission is to promote high standards for animal care, use, and well-being through the accreditation process and enhance life sciences research and education. AAALAC was founded by 14 charter members representing national professional scientific, medical, and educational organizations. Today membership has grown to 32, with each organization represented on the Board of Trustees.

The AAALAC accreditation program is available to any active laboratory animal program that uses and cares for animals in research, teaching, or testing. An animal program is defined as one which includes all aspects of support for animal care and use, from facility and housing for animals to all programmatic issues concerning animals including management, care, and use. Animal well-being is vital to life sciences research, teaching, and testing, and is the primary concern and focus of AAALAC. Although the Animal Welfare Act does not include all animals used in life sciences research, education, and testing, AAALAC has never limited its definition. Traditional laboratory animal species, including rats and mice, exotic species, and farm animals, are included under AAALAC's rules of accreditation.

Participation in the accreditation process is voluntary. This is perhaps, one of the most important aspects of AAALAC. It distinguishes accreditation from mandatory compliance with regulatory agencies. AAALAC is nonregulatory and does not formulate regulations. Rather, the program demonstrates conformance with accepted practices, guidelines and Federal, State, and local regulations.

The accreditation process is dynamic. It is meant to be educational, and is based on an extensive self-evaluation of the animal program. The members of the AAALAC Council on Accreditation conduct site visits and are accompanied by an ad hoc consultant. Council members and consultants are specialists in laboratory animal medicine and animal research. Those with specialties relevant to the animal program's research emphasis are selected for the site visit, which is informative and interactive, and not adversarial. An exit briefing is held by the site visitors to discuss preliminary observations and to answer questions raised during the visit. This step has been viewed as instructive for both the program staff and the site visitors. Site visitors prepare a report for review by the Council.

AAALAC employs the Guide as its primary resource for evaluating animal programs. It was designed to be a source of recommended guidelines for animal care and use. Appropriately, these guidelines were established and accepted by the biomedical community prior to the enactment of the Animal Welfare Act. AAALAC accredited programs not only conform with the intent of the Guide, but comply with Government regulations as well. The Guide provides the Council on Accreditation with a baseline for evaluating animal programs and applying professional judgment on specific issues. AAALAC is a testimonial to the value of incorporating professional judgment with Guide recommendations.

The size of a program is not an obstacle in attaining accreditation. Humane animal care and use standards are the same for small and large programs. All accredited programs conform with the intent of the Guide, and exceed the minimums required by law.

Widely accepted, published scientific practices are also reviewed. Professional judgment and performance-based criteria are incorporated into the evaluation. Site visitors take time to assess the overall animal care and use program and evaluate institutional implementation for humane care and use and for the animals' well-being.

AAALAC's commitment to performance criteria is evidenced by its role in assisting scientists, veterinarians, technicians, and administrators in using approaches based on outcomes, rather than those which define a means to achieve anticipated results. AAALAC relies on the Guide as a source of recommended criteria for evaluating results rather than a source for engineering rigid standards. The use of professional judgment and performance standards speak to the ability of the accreditation process to adapt to a changing environment. In addressing agricultural needs, AAALAC has had a longstanding position on farm animals. The last section in the Guide is a special consideration section, and the very last item pertains to farm animals. The Guide's coverage of farm animals provides general parameters -- without specific detail -- for the care and use of farm animals. For specific guidance, a guide developed from within the agricultural community is used (The Guide for the Care and Use of Agricultural Animals in Agricultural Research and Teaching by the Consortium for Developing a Guide for the Care and Use of Agricultural Animals in Agricultural Research amd Teaching, Champaign, IL). Over the years, experience has supported the contention that these guidelines are practical and applicable. AAALAC is confident in applying the philosophy and accreditation process in an agricultural environment. As witnessed by the biomedical community, developing criteria and demonstrating scientific support for continued practices is necessary.

The foremost rationale for animal programs to voluntarily participate in the accreditation program is to demonstrate intent of excellence in providing the highest standards. AAALAC accreditation provides organizations that award grants with assurance that the accredited animal program conforms to all policies and regulations and is sustaining an acceptable humane animal care and use program. As the issues and needs of animal research have changed, AAALAC has attempted to adapt and evolve as well. The accreditation program has maintained consistency in evaluating participants, thus asserting its continued value. The life sciences community has learned the necessity of accountability in addressing issues, especially where the public is concerned. The animal user community has the opportunity to demonstrate beyond a reasonable doubt that they can be held accountable for the humane care and use of animals, and have established effective mechanisms to monitor their activities. Attainment of accreditation attests to the fact that a program has considered essential elements of animal care and use and abides by them. Those programs accredited by AAALAC take pride in their achievement. AAALAC invites all inquiries about accreditation and will work with any animal program interested in achieving accreditation.

For more information on accreditation programs you may contact AAALAC at 9650 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20814, telephone: (301) 564-5111.

The AALAS Certification Program

by

Nancy G. Addcox
Education Coordinator
American Association for Laboratory Animal Science

The American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) is a professional, nonprofit organization of persons and institutions concerned about the production, care, and study of laboratory animals. The organization provides a medium for the exchange of scientific information on all phases of laboratory animal care and use through its educational activities and certification program.

AALAS has been certifying laboratory animal technicians for more than 30 years. The Animal Technician Certification Program is accepted throughout the field as a professional endorsement of an individual's general level of technical competence in animal care. In 1991, more than 3200 men and women throughout the United States and Canada were tested through this program.

The program certifies persons in three levels of technical competence: Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician, Laboratory Animal Technician, and Laboratory Animal Technologist. Assistant Laboratory Animal Technicians are entry-level technicians who provide care to laboratory animals in a safe, humane, and sanitary manner. Laboratory Animal Technicians are experienced and qualified technicians who provide direct care for animals, including feeding, sanitizing cages, daily observations, and some basic treatments. Laboratory Animal Technologists are senior technicians employed in a wide range of positions in laboratory animal facilities. These positions may be in: advanced animal care, assisting in surgical care, or other procedures. Senior technicians may be employed as supervisors.

Examinations for certification at all three levels include 140 multiple-choice questions. For 40 of these questions, examinees use a slide as a visual cue to answering the question. Many of these questions are based on practical experiences applicants would have gained in a laboratory animal facility. The remaining 100 questions relate to six subject sections outlined in the examination document entitled Basic Course Outline. The six subjects are: administration and management, health and sciences, husbandry, environmental matters, sanitation and safety, and techniques. Many laboratory animal facilities focus on a limited number of species, particularly rodents. However, to successfully complete the AALAS certification examination, examinees must be familiar with the care and treatment of a wide range of animals, including primates, large animals, fish, and birds.

Applicants must meet minimum education and experience requirements to be eligible to take the examination. At the Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician level, applicants must have at least an eighth-grade education and 1 year of experience in a laboratory animal facility (up to 6 months of this experience can be offset by college-level education). At the Laboratory Animal Technician level, applicants must have a high school diploma or GED and 3 years of experience in a laboratory animal facility (up to 2 years of this experience can be offset by college-level education). At the Laboratory Animal Technologist level, applicants must have a high school diploma and 6 years of experience in a laboratory animal facility (up to 4 years can be offset by college-level education). Detailed information about the eligibility requirements is available on the examination application form.

Examinations are administered through a system of Regional Examining Boards (REB). Applications are available from this board and should be submitted to the REB Chairman. If the applicant meets the minimum requirements, an examination is approved by the board for the individual. Examinations are administered four times a year: the last 2 weeks of January, May, and August, and the week of and the week after the AALAS annual meeting.

Examinations are prepared by the Animal Technician Certification Board (ATCB), which is comprised of certified technologists and veterinarians experienced in the field of laboratory animal science. The ATCB reviews and validates each examination before it is administered. After the examination, the ATCB Chairperson reviews the examination once more and certifies the results. This process has helped to create the quality reputation which the examination program currently enjoys.

The references listed below are the sources of questions for the certification examination. Again, examinees are tested on practical information gained through their experience in a laboratory animal facility. Applicants preparing for the examination are encouraged to apply this learning to their jobs.

References

Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT): AALAS Training Manual Series: Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (89-1), the basic provisions of the Animal Welfare Act (PL # 89-544) and its amendments, and the NIH Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.

Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT): All of the materials listed above for the ALAT, AALAS Training Manual Series, Laboratory Animal Technician (90-2), the Good Laboratory Animal Practices Regulations (1979), and The Biology and Medicine of Rabbits and Rodents (Harkness and Wagner, Lea and Febiger: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1983).

Laboratory Animal Technologist (LATG): All of the materials listed above for the ALAT and LAT, the AALAS Training Manual Series: Laboratory Animal Technologist (91-3), the NIH Cost Analysis and Rate Setting Manual For Animal Resource Facilities, the UFAW Handbook on the Care and Management of Laboratory Animals (6th ed), and Experimental and Surgical Techniques in the Rat (Waynforth, Academic Press: Orlando, Florida, 1980).

For additional information about the AALAS Animal Technician Certification Program, including the REB nearest you, obtaining an application form and other materials, contact the AALAS office at: AALAS, 70 Timber Creek Drive, Suite 5, Cordova, TN 38018, telephone (901) 754-8620.

Editor's Corner

For scientists and others funded by tax dollars, achieving a balance between public accountability and research is a challenge. Just as artists guard their intellectual and creative space, so do scientists. Effective animal care and use committees are one way of giving assurance both to the scientist and the public. Another way to assure the public is through voluntary certification and accreditation programs that are recognized for high standards of excellence in animal care.

This issue of the Animal Welfare Information Center Newsletter highlights two associations devoted to training or recognizing programs and individuals for high standards of laboratory animal care -- the American Association for Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) and the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS). Alies Muskin, Professional and Public Relations Coordinator of AAALAC, provides information on the association's initial development, philosophy, goals and accreditation program. Participating laboratory facilities that achieve and maintain AAALAC accreditation are recognized as having excellent animal care programs.

For 30 years the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science has been setting the pace for training individuals who work with laboratory animals. Nancy Addcox, Education Coordinator, gives indepth information with regard to the different levels of certification offered by AALAS. In addition to certifying competency in laboratory animal care, handling and methodology, AALAS hosts and encourages educational meetings and symposia for continuing education.

Laboratory animal facilities that are well maintained, appropriate for their function, and staffed with persons skilled in animal care and use are a winning combination.

Finally, the staff at AWIC would like to bid a fond farewell to staff member Karen Clingerman. In August, Karen entered the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program at Virginia Tech (with an eye on gaining a Ph.D. as well). We wish her luck and much success! D'Anna Berry will assume the production manager responsibilities for the newsletter while Cynthia Smith covers legislative activities. Special thanks to Becky Thompson for her assistance in the production of this issue of the AWIC Newsletter.

Attention BITNET and INTERNET Users...

An increasing number of people have been accessing AWIC through electronic mail systems. We encourage this activity and hope that more persons will begin to request services through this medium. In order to give efficient service we would like users to include their mailing address and telephone number along with the information request. Thank you for your cooperation!


UPCOMING MEETINGS...

American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), February 7-10, 1992. Chicago, IL. Contact: (202) 326-6462.

Western Veterinary Conference, February 9-13, 1992. Las Vegas, NV. Contact: (702) 739-6698.

Future of Animal Agriculture Council, þFuture Trends in Animal Agriculture...Public Perceptions, Media Responsibilities and Corporate Opportunities,þ February 13, 1992. Bethesda, MD. Contact: (717) 733-2238.

Society of Toxicology, February 23-27, 1992. Seattle, WA. Contact: (202) 371-1393.

Public Responsibility in Medicine and Research (PRIM & R), March 18-20, 1992. Boston, MA. Contact: (617) 423-4112 - Joan Rachlin, Gail Daley.

National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) National Convention,

March 26-29, 1992. Boston, MA. Contact: (202) 328-5800.

Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB), April 6-9, 1992. Anaheim, CA. Contact: (301) 530-7010 - Nancy Sledge.

In Vitro Toxicology: Tenth Annniversary Symposium of CAAT, April 14-16, 1992. Baltimore, MD. Contact: (410) 955-3343 - Jeannene Tylee.

The 18th International Conference of the Animal Transportation Association, þAnimal Transport and the New Era in Europe,þ May 3-6, 1992. Weisbaden, Germany. Contact: (214) 713-9954 - Cherie Derouin.

Medical Libraries Association, May 15-20, 1992. Washington, DC. Contact: (312) 419-9094. @COLBRK =

NIH Regional Workshop on þRodent Surgery In Research and Teaching: Humane, Regulatory and Scientific Issues Concerning the Preoperative, Operative and Postoperative Periods,þ May 18-19, 1992. Detroit, MI. Sponsor: Wayne State University and the Michigan Society for Medical Research. Contact: (313) 577-1180 - Andrea Lubienski.

Special Libraries Association, June 6-11, 1992. San Francisco, CA. Contact: (202) 234-4700.

NIH Regional Workshop on þInstitutional Responsibility: Meeting the Intent of Federal Regulations for Animal Care and Use,þ June 18-19, 1992. New York, NY. Sponsor: Columbia University. Contact: (212) 305-3682 - Patrick Dwyer.

1992 World Congress on Cell and Tissue Culture, June 20-25, 1992. Washington, DC. Contact: (301) 992-0946.

1st International Conference of Animal Health Information Specialists, July 16-19, 1992. Reading, England.

American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), August 1-5, 1992. Boston, MA. Contact: (708) 605-8070 - Bob Schlax, Convention Manager.

American Society of Animal Science (ASAS) Annual Meeting, August 6-11, 1992. Pittsburg, PA. Contact: (217) 356-3182.

American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) Annual Meeting, August 9-13, 1992. Honolulu, HI. Contact: (202) 628-1500 or 1-800-992-2427 - Louise Salmon.

NIH Regional Workshop. Topic to be announced, August 27-28, 1992. Pocatello, ID. Sponsor: Idaho State University. Contact: (208) 236-3895 - Jim Peck. American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) Northeast Regional Branch, September 9-10, 1992. Turf Valley, MD. Contact: (301) 468-0250 - Betty Fatzie.

American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums (AAZPA), September 13-17, 1992. Toronto, Canada. Contact: (304) 242-2160 - Barbara Ray or Beverly Beatty.


ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Hildegard Doerenkamp-Gerhard Zbinden Foundation for Realistic Animal Protection 1990 Award Results

Dr. P.A. Flecknell of the Comparative Biology Center, Medical School, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Great Britain has been announced as the winner of the 1990 competition for a scientific contribution to þAnesthesia in Laboratory Animals - Management of Chronic Pain in Laboratory Animalsþ by the Hildegard Doerenkamp-Gerhard Zbinden Foundation. Dr. Flecknell was selected for his many distinguished contributions toward the alleviation of acute and chronic pain in laboratory animals. His scientific contributions include: anesthetic techniques that do not interfere with biological functions, methods of humane handling and restraint, use of local anesthetics for repeated laboratory procedures, and assessment and management of post-operative pain. The award is DM 50,000.

The Hildegard Doerenkamp-Gerhard Zbinden Foundation is a charitable foundation incorporated in Chur, Switzerland and organizes yearly award competitions on subjects related to alternatives. The 1991 award will be given for contributions to þAlternative Methods for Research on Cardiopulmonary Function and Bronchial Asthmaþ (information available from Dr. Alan Goldberg, Johns Hopkins University, School of Public Health, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205). The 1992 competition will focus on þReducing or Replacing Animals in Immunology, Allergy and Transplantation: Application of Modern Data Processing Concepts, Development of In Vitro Models and Standardization of Alternative Techniquesþ (information available from Dr. A. Steiger, Bundesamt fuer Veterinarwesen, Schwarzenburgestrasse 161, CH-3097, Liebefeld, Switzerland). Both awards are DM 50,000 each.

Questions about the foundation may be addressed to the President, Professor Gerhard Zbinden, Institute of Toxicology, ETH and University of Zurich, CH 8603 Schwerzenbach, Switzerland.

Psychologists for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PSYeta)

Dr. Kenneth Shapiro has announced the relocation of PSYeta offices. Correspondence can be sent to P.O. Box 1297, Washington Grove, MD 20880-1297. General correspondences can be sent to the above address. Telephone or FAX number is (301) 963-4751. All manuscript and subscription correspondence for Society and Animals and subscriptions for Humane Innovations and Alternatives should be sent to the new address. Manuscripts for Humane Innovations and Alternatives should continue to be sent to Dr. E. Bernstein, 45 Glenwood Road, Saranac Lake, NY 12983, (518) 891-4140 or 2322. PSYeta is a nonprofit organization that produces and disseminates information on alternatives and their uses in the psychological sciences. New Book Describes Alternatives to Using Animals in Lab Testing

VCH Publishers announces the publication of a new work entitled Animals and Alternatives in Toxicology: Present Status and Future Prospects. The book was released in October and is the result of the annual meeting of the Fund for the Replacement of Animals in Medical Experiments (FRAME) Toxicity Committee. Each year experts in the field gather to discuss alternatives to use of animals in experimentation. Edited by Michael Balls, this book offers a wide variety of information ranging from humane alternatives to skin and eye irritancy testing to ex vivo and in vitro experimentation. Newer areas of computer modeling, information technology, neurotoxicity, immunotoxicity, and allergies are addressed. The book is extensively indexed. For more information please contact Diane Gambuzza at VCH Publishers, 220 East 23rd Street, Suite 909, New York, NY 10010-4606; by telephone (212) 683-8333 or FAX (212) 481-0897.

Call for Research Proposals

The Johns Hopkins Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT) is soliciting proposals for the 1993-94 grant period. Projects should focus on investigating the fundamental knowledge needed to develop alternative methods to the use of whole animals for safety/hazard evaluation, risk assessment, and efficacy.

CAAT encourages the investigation of in vitro approaches to evaluating cellular and target organ toxicity. Some examples are: developing new cell culture systems; applying current testing methodology to human cells/cell lines; and designing new, mechanistic, state-of-the-art methods that may utilize cultured cells, computer technology (e.g., structure-activity relationships), or any other system applicable to toxicity/efficacy evaluation.

To apply, submit a one-page preproposal abstract (no specific format required) to Joan Poling, CAAT, 615 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD 21205; Telephone 410-955-3193; FAX 410-955-0258. If the preproposal is accepted, investigators will be invited to submit a full proposal and will receive application preparation guidelines. Deadline for submission of abstracts is March 13, 1992.

Delta Society Research Grant Request for Proposals

Approximately $22,000 in grant money, funded by The Hartz Mountain Corporation, will be distributed for studies on how companion animals are affected by interactions with people. For the first time funds are available to focus on the animal rather than the human side of human-animal interactions. Funds are for one-year grants only; no multiple-year grants. Applications must be received no later than February 15, 1992. Applications can be sent to The Delta Society, P.O. Box 1080, Renton, WA 98057-1080 or for more information call (206) 226-7357. Awards will be announced in April 1992.


NEW PUBLICATIONS AND UPDATES...

Ferrets as Laboratory Animals: A Bibliography, BLA 113

Exercise for Dogs, SRB 92-02

Reference Materials for Members of Animal Care and Use Committees, AWIC Series #10

Cuidado y Uso Humanitario de Animales de Laboratorio Para Tecnicos (The Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals For Technicians). (The Laboratory Animal Training Association/AWIC-National Agricultural Library) Videocassette 1129 available for lending from the National Agricultural Library

Annotated Bibliography on Laboratory Animal Welfare, (Scientists Center for Animal Welfare/AWIC-National Agricultural Library) October 1991

Centro de Informacion para el Bienestar de los Animales, (Spanish version of AWIC brochure)

AWIC List of Publications, AWIC Fact Sheet

AWIC Tips for Searching for Alternatives to Animal Research and Testing, AWIC Fact Sheet

Contacting AWIC, AWIC Fact Sheet

Information Resources for Students and Teachers, AWIC Fact Sheet


Contacting the Animal Welfare Information Center

The National Agricultural Library phone system has been recently converted. New phone numbers, listed below, became effective on December 16, 1991.

Animal Welfare Direct Line: (301) 504-6212. This phone is staffed during office hours (M-F 8:00 - 4:30) and is connected to answering machine during all other hours.

Staff Lines :
Jean Larson (301) 504-5215
Janice Swanson (301) 504-5174
Cynthia Smith (301) 504-5173
D'Anna Berry (301) 504-5440

Staff coverage varies with work schedules. If staff member is unavailable during business hours the call is picked up by the secretary. No coverage during nonbusiness hours.

Automated Telephone System: (301) 504-5704. The automated system that allows you to access various individuals or information centers by selecting them via your touch-tone phone. Callers may use the system to access staff during business hours or to leave messages for them at any time. To leave messages or to contact a particular staff member, you must know the first three letters of the person's name (see staff information above).

FAX Machine: (301) 504-5472. Available for receiving transmissions 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.

Electronic Bulletin Board:  Agricultural Library Forum (ALF)
Commercial     (301) 504-6510     FTS   964-6510
               (301) 504-5111           964-5111
               (301) 504-5496           964-5496
               (301) 504-5497           964-5497
The National Agricultural Library's electronic bulletin board system is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Accessed via computer with modem and communications software. For more information request the following publications:

ALF (Agricultural Library Forum): The National Agricultural Library's

Electronic Bulletin Board System: Brief Guide

AWIC Implements Conference Module on ALF - AWIC Fact Sheet

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AWIC

Animal Welfare Information Center
United States Department of Agriculture
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