The University Lab Animal Research program at Ohio State has been given the gold stamp of approval.

The Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International gave OSU full accreditation, the highest rating given by the organization.

“We pride ourselves in running a model program,” said William Yonushonis, director of lab animal research. “The accreditation shows that we are in complete compliance with all federal regulations, and we’re really proud of it.”

Yonushonis said Ohio State’s lab animal program voluntarily subscribes to the association and must be evaluated and assessed on a continual basis.

“In 1993, all of OSU’s lab animal programs and facilities were accredited as one unit for the first time, and now they are reviewed every three years,” Yonushonis said.

Although the animal research program is university-wide and not associated with any particular college, the 18 animal research facilities provide support to 11 colleges, seven schools and the graduate school, Yonushonis said.

“We use over 70,000 animals each year, and last year, the sponsored program using animals for research at OSU was over $70 million,” Yonushonis said.

Yonushonis said almost all major advancements in medicine and science have come from animal research.

“About 53 percent of our research involves the College of Medicine and about 11 percent of what we do involves the College of Veterinary Medicine. We also do about 9 percent of our work with both the College of Biological Sciences and the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences,” Yonushonis said.

Thomas J. Rosol, interim vice president for research and professor of veterinary biosciences said he is pleased by the program’s accreditation.

“Receiving full accreditation status is the latest indication of the outstanding commitment and dedication that our staff and faculty bring to our current research efforts,” Rosol said. “AAALAC’s accreditation acknowledges that we take seriously our role as good stewards of the animals in our care.”

Animals in the ULAR program include chimpanzees, snakes, bats, cats, dogs, mice, rats, hamsters, frogs and many others.

Michael Ballinger, president of the association’s Council on Accreditation, said to Rosol in a news release: “The Council recognizes your efforts to achieve a quality animal care and use program and commends you and your staff for the positive actions taken.”