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Animal Care and Use Program

Division of Comparative Medicine (DCM)

The Division of Comparative Medicine (DCM) strongly affirms the essential role of live animals in the advancement of societal, biological, & medical knowledge. Recognizing the immutable connection between animals and humans and our continuing dependence upon animals in agriculture, conversation, ecology, and science; the Division of Comparative Medicine commits to the best possible provision of care for the animals in our charge, focusing upon modalities which enhance good welfare and assures wellbeing.

Animals in Research

Without the use of animals in research, the majority of medical advances would not have occurred. The list of the advances ranges from vaccines for rabies and polio to the development of prescription and non-prescription drugs and a variety of surgical therapies, including organ transplantation. Among others, treatment for such devastating conditions as diabetes, cancer, heart disease and epilepsy were made possible by the use of research animals.

AAALAC International

AAALAC Accreditation

OUHSC's animal program is fully accredited by AAALAC, International, which requires the adherence to the highest standards of animal care and use by accredited institutions. The accreditation, which is entirely voluntary, has been continuous since 1973.

OUHSC is also registered as a research facility with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act and its regulations. Registration covers all facilities where regulated species are used. All animal facilities are inspected by the USDA to ensure that all activities involving research animals are in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. These relationships confirm the integrity of the program structure, function, and foundation.