What Is the ILAR?^*

In brief, the Institute is an agency of the National Academy of Sciences—National Research Council, financed by private and public funds and established for the purpose of improving the supply and quality of laboratory animals.

WHEN DID IT START?

A Conference on Animal Procurement was called in July of 1952 to investigate the need for an organization devoted to the betterment of quality and quantity in test animals. This conference recommended the formation of a Committee on Animal Resources. Foreseeing the need for more permanency of operation, the Committee was reorganized as the Institute of Animal Resources in January of 1953. The first executive officer began his full-time duties in July of that year and since that time the Institute has been in continuous operation. (For reasons of clarity, the name of the Institute was changed in 1956 to the Institute of Laboratory Animal Resources.)

HOW DOES IT OPERATE?

The Institute maintains an office in Washington, D.C., as part of the Academy-Research Council. The Governing Board of the Institute is composed of eighteen persons (research workers, animal breeders and research administrators) who serve without pay. The actual operation of projects and programs of the Institute is carried on jointly by the Executive Secretary and the fifteen committees and subcommittees.

WHAT ARE THE OBJECTIVES OF THIS ORGANIZATION?

1. To survey and record the existing sources of production and supply of animal material used in biological and medical research, testing and teaching.

2. To coordinate and organize this information in such a way that it will be available to individuals and institutions engaged in research, testing and teaching.

3. To develop and establish scientific standards for the production, nutrition, breeding, hygiene, and shipping of such animals.

4. To take such steps as may be necessary to insure the continued availability of the various genetic stocks currently available or which will become available in the future.

5. To study the need for such material both under peacetime conditions and in the event of possible national emergency, and to take steps to organize such extension of activity as may be necessary.

6. To explore and expedite international exchange of animal stocks of special characteristics and significance which are not available in this country.

WHO ARE THE MEMBERS OF THE ILAR?

Dr. D.W. Jenkins (Chairman), Fort Detrick

Dr. N.R. Brewer, University of Chicago

Dr. T.C. Byerly, U.S. Department of Agriculture

Dr. J.S. Cass, University of Cincinnati

Dr. L.R. Christensen, New York University

Mr. C. N. W. Cumming, Carworth Farms

Dr. D.E. Davis, Johns Hopkins University

Dr. P.L. Day, University of Arkansas

Dr. O.N. Eaton, Microbiological Associates

Dr. R.J. Flynn, Argonne National Laboratory

Dr. B.D. Fremming, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Mr. H.G. Herrlein, Rockland Farms

Dr. G.E. Jay, Jr., National Institutes of Health

Dr. R. Randall, Army Medical Service Graduate School

Dr. E.S. Russell, Jackson Memorial Laboratory

Dr. v. Schwentker, West Foundation

Dr. C.A. Slanetz, Columbia University

Dr. P. Weiss, Rockefeller Institute

Dr. L.A. Maynard (ex officio)

WHY DOES THE INSTITUTE EXIST?

There is the need for an organization devoted to the betterment of quality and supply in laboratory animals. The ILAR acts as a central clearinghouse for information on animal care, breeding, housing, supply and feeding. The publications emanating from its working groups are disseminated to all interested persons. Projects of importance to the Federal Government, private organizations and to animal breeders are carried out by the committees and staff of the Institute.

A registry of animal suppliers is maintained and periodic catalogues of animal supplies are issued. As an agency of the National Academy of Sciences—National Research Council, the ILAR, in formulating its scientific policies, enjoys the advice and assistance of eminent biological and medical scientists throughout the nation.

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