Howard B and Vergara P. FELASA category C course [abstract]. ALTEX. 2009;26(Special Issue):167


Abstract

FELASA defines Category C Personnel as persons responsible for directing animal experiments. It recommends they be regarded as competent when they possess a Bachelor's or Master's degree and subsequently complete training equivalent to a basic 80-hour course as addressing topics including husbandry, animal health and experiment procedures. The training is designed to give scientists the knowledge and skills necessary for responsible and ethical use of animals in experiments. The course should address alternatives to the use of animals, as well as how to design experiments which use the minimum number of animals and ensure the highest ethical standards. The syllabus recommends demonstration and practice of basic experimental procedures, but adoption of replacement training methods is encouraged. FELASA does not prescribe how practical training should be undertaken and both formal laboratory sessions held during the course, or tutorial training by an experienced and accredited scientist during authorised investigations are considered satisfactory. The FELASA Accreditation Board adheres to the published recommendations for category C training (Laboratory Animals 1995; 29: 121-131) but has established some expectations to assist in accreditation. In relation to the use of animals these include: 1) most common species need to be covered in the program; 2) there should be a minimum of 10 hours practical training on at least two species of animals; 3) the competence of students must be assured.