AALAC Adopts Position Statements on 8th Edition of Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals

AAALAC International’s Council on Accreditation has adopted six Position Statements to address several points in the 8th edition of the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (NRC 2011) that required interpretation for institutions participating in the accreditation program. The new Position Statements address:

• Selecting the Appropriate Standard(s) for the Care and Use of Agricultural Animals
• Cage or Pen Space
• Social Housing
• The Attending Veterinarian and Veterinary Care (this updates and replaces the existing Position Statement on Adequate Veterinary Care)
• Safety Requirements for Walk-In Cage/Rack Washers and Bulk Sterilizers
• Definition of “Laboratory Animals” (this updates and replaces the existing Position Statement on this subject).