More about ESLAV

The European Society of Laboratory Animal Veterinarians was created at the 6^th FELASA symposium held in June of 1996 in Basel, Switzerland. This initial meeting was called by David Whittaker from Zeneca Pharmaceuticals in the UK. About 100 veterinarians from different European countries were present as well as two colleagues from the US.

The Society is now registered as a non profit organization in France.

One of the objectives of the Society is to give veterinarians a forum to discuss issues which concern us, in the field of laboratory animal science, in general and in Europe specifically. Veterinarians who work full time or part time, as consultants in this field need to keep themselves updated with regards to e.g. changing and evolving laws and regulations in Europe and in individual nations as well as world wide.

Beyond the internal forum, there is presently no single entity representing the veterinary profession specifically in the laboratory animal medicine field at the European decision making bodies. The need for veterinarians to participate in the running of laboratory animal facilities and ethics committees (or equivalent) is not systematically addressed. European regulations should ensure veterinary oversight of animal care and use programmes.

Another important objective of this Society is to set the right environment and support to create the European College of Laboratory Animal Medicine. This College is needed to structure the additional training leading to specialization and to certify its members, and to provide assistance in ESLAV's professional continuing education activities. In other words, the College will represent the academic component in our field of laboratory animal medicine.

The public as well as organizations need to able to address veterinary medical specialists in the humane care and use of laboratory animals. In turn, these experts require the possibility to discuss common subjects, to pool their resources to provide specialized service functions and professional expertise, and to be represented at a European level when decisions are made regarding laboratory animal use and welfare.

It is clear that much work lies ahead of us. Yet the request for expert veterinary participation in this field at different levels in Europe and its nations is most encouraging.

The Governing Board of ESLAV looks forward to the participation of interested individuals in making this Society the organized source of expertise it should be.

Philippe Baneux
President  Feb 1998