Duke University Medical Center:

 ... believes that the privilege of animal use requires close adherence to a clear and defined code of ethics.

... has maintained FULL ACCREDITATION with the Association for the Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care, International (AAALAC) since 1975. We were most recently re-accredited in the fall of 2006. This accreditation, is a voluntary process, and provides an independent peer review of internal programs and processes, confirming our arguments of quality of care and responsible use of animals in biomedical research and teaching at Duke.

... adheres to the Guide for the Care & Use of Laboratory Animals, as published by the Commission on Life Sciences of the National Research Council (NRC).  This is our core guidebook for program process.

... follows the Guide for the Care & Use of Agricultural Animals for species not addressed in the NRC publication above.

... utilizes the United States Government Principles for the Utilization and Care of Vertebrate Animals Used in Testing, Research and Training guidelines for appropriate animal use in a research and teaching setting.

... holds an Assurance Statement on file with the NIH Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW) which announces our allegiance to quality care and use principles in animal facilitated research and teaching. This document codifies Duke's commitment to properly performed humane animal facilitated biomedical investigation.

... is fully engaged in the Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.   This policy, made into law by the Health Research Extension Act of 1985, is applicable to all PHS-conducted or supported activities involving animals conducted in the United States, Puerto Rico, or any other US territory.

... is registered with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal & Plant Inspection Service (APHIS), Animal Care (AC) as an federally approved research facility.  As a registered institution, we receive unannounced inspections from federal veterinarians who review animal care, animal welfare, and adherence to federal regulations.

... maintains relationship with the Scientist Center for Animal Welfare (SCAW) as further underpinning our commitment to a strong relationship between good science and animal welfare.

... uses the educational expertise of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) for progressive care and welfare training for Duke research staff and care providers.

... utilizes the Institutional Animal Care & Use Committee system of animal care and use oversight and compliance with regulations and guidance.

... requires care staff to attend regular animal care instruction with the goal of ensuring a base of quality animal care while focusing on continually improving animal care operations.

... employs licensed and certified Veterinarians and Veterinary Technicians for direct veterinary treatments and animal care.

For more information on the different individuals who work in the animal care & use program, click here.