Ongoing participation as an AAALAC International Member Organization for over three decades demonstrates the Poultry Science Association’s commitment to responsible animal care and use. The longstanding relationship also showcases PSA’s belief that creating alliances with other respected organizations that seek animal welfare excellence is critical to quality science and education.
While AAALAC is known for its focus on laboratory species such as rats and mice, it also has a presence at land grant and agriculture institutions, explains Kenneth E. Anderson, Ph.D., Fellow of the Poultry Science Association and current secretary of AAALAC. Dr. Anderson has been a member of AAALAC for 35 years now, a membership he initiated not long after joining PSA.
“AAALAC really wants people in the agriculture sector to be involved,” Dr. Anderson notes.
A non-profit, AAALAC provides educational information and has an established animal care program that has expanded through the years to include species in agriculture. AAALAC now provides accreditation for agricultural institutions, and one of its foundation documents is the Guide for the Care and Use of Agricultural Animals in Research and Teaching (Ag Guide).
Dr. Anderson explains that the Ag Guide came into existence in the early 80’s. In fact, he was one of the reviewers for the very first Ag Guide and has been involved in producing every subsequent Ag Guide since.
Today, Dr. Anderson says, “the relationship between AAALAC, poultry science, animal science, dairy science and FAS (Federation of Animal Scientists) is important.”
How to get involved
According to Dr. Anderson, there are two entities under the AAALAC umbrella. The first is Member Organization Delegates (MOD) and the board of directors, and the second is the Council on Accreditation.
Individuals wanting to be more involved can become ad hoc consultants on the council, which provides the opportunity to have an even larger impact. Dr. Anderson says those accepted as consultants are trained and then travel for site visits.
“It’s an opportunity to really see how we relate to other institutions and the other species,” he explains.
For Dr. Anderson, being in AAALAC has presented many opportunities to work with and meet people from all over the world. From Thailand to Spain, Germany to Switzerland, “you name it, I know people.”
To work with the members, especially the board of directors, provides a totally different perspective and a better understanding of what’s happening in the world.
“I always say the chicken business is a huge industry but a very small community,” he says. “When you start talking about animal care, it’s international but also a small community, as well.”
Further, Dr. Anderson said the board not only represents the academic side, but also the industry side. “A lot of companies are AAALAC accredited.”
A recipient of AAALAC’s Distinguished MOD Award two years ago, Dr. Anderson says his journey in the industry has been fun.
“I never dreamed when I was getting my degrees that I would ever do some of the things that I’ve done or go places that I’ve been.”