What must be reported to AAALAC regarding the animal care and use program?

The requirement to report an annual report and notifications of adverse events to the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) is essential for maintaining transparency and accountability in animal care and use programs. This annual report provides a comprehensive overview of the institution's animal care practices, including summaries of compliance with standards, challenges encountered throughout the year, and strategies implemented to address any issues. Moreover, timely notifications of adverse events are critical, as they ensure that AAALAC can assess any significant incidents that may affect animal welfare or the integrity of the institution's research.

Collecting and reporting this information helps AAALAC evaluate the program's effectiveness and adherence to established standards, while also promoting continuous improvement in animal care practices. By addressing not only routine activities but also unexpected challenges, institutions demonstrate a commitment to ethical standards and regulatory compliance. This holistic approach to reporting is what allows AAALAC to uphold its mission of promoting the humane treatment of animals in science.