Some courses organized in Europe and Switzerland are accreditated by FELASA (Federation of Europeans Laboratory Animal Science associations).
FELASA is accrediting courses using the following "functions" system:
- EU Function A: Carrying out procedures on animals
- EU Function B: Designing procedures and projects
- EU Function C: Taking care of animals
- EU Function D: Killing animals
Swiss legislation requires organization of two qualifying education courses: Module 1 and Module 2 whose contents include the 4 FELASA functions.
Module 1 - sp. rats/mice - organized by the ResAL is a course accreditated "FELASA EU functions ACD".
Module 1 - sp. rats/mice - organized by the LTK is a course accreditated "FELASA EU functions ACD".
Equivalence for Module 1 and/or Module 2
If you have taken a potentially equivalent training course in animal experimentation during your previous training or studies, in Switzerland or abroad, you may, under certain conditions, be exempted in whole or in part from the obligation to take Module 1 and/or Module 2. This recognition is assessed on a case-by-case basis and is granted solely by the cantonal veterinary authorities.
If you are concerned, you must contact your Director of Animal Experimentation.
You must provide your CV (including publications list) and all the documents regarding the courses you attended (program, type of content, duration, type of procedures achieved) and certificate of attendance. Contact persons will help you and forward your equivalence request to cantonal veterinarian authorities.
