ABSTRACT
Many professional organizations exist that can serve as initial contacts for obtaining information regarding specific professional issues related to the care and use of nonhuman primates. Membership in these organizations allows the laboratory animal science professional to stay abreast of regulatory issues, improvements in methodology and procedures, management issues, and animal health issues. Relevant organizations include the following:
• American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS): 9190 Crestwyn Hills Drive, Memphis, TN 38125 (Telephone: 901-754-8620; Web site: https://www.aalas.org/). AALAS serves a diverse professional group, including principal investigators, animal care technicians, and veterinarians. The journals Comparative Medicine and Contemporary Topics in Laboratory Animal Science and the quarterly newsletter, Tech Talk, are published by AALAS and serve to communicate relevant information to the investigative community. AALAS sponsors a program for
certification of laboratory animal science professionals at three levels: Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT), Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT), and Laboratory Animal Technologist (LATG). The AALAS-affiliated Institute for Laboratory Animal Management (ILAM) is a program designed to provide training in laboratory animal facility management. AALAS maintains a Web site with extensive links to a variety of subject material related to the field of laboratory animal science, including links to pertinent regulatory agencies and organizations. In addition, the association sponsors an electronic bulletin board for technicians (Tech Talk Online) and hosts COMPMED (Comparative Medicine Discussion List). AALAS also sponsors an annual meeting and there are local groups associated with AALAS known as branches.
