May 29, 2020

The World Veterinary Association and AAALAC International sign agreement to promote animal health and welfare  

Brussels, Belgium and Frederick, Maryland, USA – The World Veterinary Association (WVA) and AAALAC International have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) outlining ways the two organisations will work together to promote animal health and welfare. The World Veterinary Association is an organisation that unites veterinary associations working in different areas of veterinary medicine around the world. AAALAC International accredits institutions around the globe that use animals in research, teaching and testing. As part of the MoU, both organisations commit to working together on specific goals to improve animal health and welfare worldwide. It also includes exchanging relevant publications and information pertaining to their core activities, participating in each other's meetings and conferences when appropriate, and working together to create a joint action plan.

"The WVA looks forward to collaborating with AAALAC International to further the health and welfare of research animals studied around the world," said Dr. Patricia Turner, WVA President. "Research animals, including those studied in agricultural research and wildlife studied as part of ecosystem health initiatives, are not equally protected in every country, and veterinarians do not always receive sufficient training and education in how best to meet the needs of these animals. This MoU represents an opportunity for the WVA and AAALAC International to strengthen veterinarians' education and role in this sector."

"We are delighted to collaborate with the World Veterinary Association on the initiatives outlined in the MoU," said Dr. Kathryn Bayne, Chief Executive Officer of AAALAC International. "While our missions are specific to the work of our respective organisations, we share a common aim of promoting animal health and welfare globally, and providing education that supports animal health and welfare. We look forward to working with the WVA to advance these important objectives."

The World Veterinary Association unites and represents the global veterinary profession including national and international associations of veterinarians working in different areas of veterinary medicine. The WVA works to assure and promote animal health and welfare and public health globally, through developing and advancing veterinary medicine, the veterinary profession as well as public and private veterinary services. More information is available on WVA's website: www.worldvet.org.

Established in 1965, AAALAC International is a private, nonprofit organization that promotes the humane treatment of animals in science through voluntary accreditation and evaluation programs. Institutions seeking accreditation receive an independent, expert assessment of their animal care and use program. Those that meet or exceed applicable standards are awarded accreditation—a mark of quality assurance recognized around the world. More than 1,000 institutions in 49 countries have earned AAALAC accreditation, demonstrating their commitment to high-quality animal care and good science. More information is available on AAALAC's website: www.aaalac.org.