AALAS at the Belvoir Winery

The Belvoir Winery in nearby Liberty, Mo. just announced extended hours for the upcoming springtime, reminding us at Labconco of a recent meeting, held at the lovely vineyard, of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS). Labconco Product Manager Bob Applequist attended the fall meeting of the Kansas City Branch of the AALAS at the Belvoir in late 2012, and shared this description of the winery and the event:

“The main hall of the Belvoir, a 40,000 sq. ft. building, was a former Odd Fellows Home, built in the early 1900s; it is situated upon 170 acres of fantastic vistas—fitting, because Belvoir is French for beautiful view. The meeting included a wine tasting, dinner sponsored by Labconco, networking, and a presentation on transgenic mice by Dr. Melissa Larson from Kansas University Medical Center.

“The AALAS and its branches are composed of professionals employed around the world in academia, government, and private industry, whose work in vivariums advances the humane care and treatment of laboratory animals. Their quality scientific research benefits people and animals alike. The Kansas City branch pursues that goal by fostering a spirit of cooperation among researchers in the Greater Kansas City Area. 

“At this meeting Labconco shared information about our PuriCare line of enclosures, which are designed to provide clean air protection for animals and people, to assist laboratory animal research. When conducting small animal research, cage changing, weighing, anesthesia delivery and surgical procedures all present safety and health concerns.

“The PuriCare Procedure Stations include the Open Access Transfer Station, the Procedure Station and the Bedding Disposal Station, which provide personnel, animal and environmental protection for safer, healthier labs. All three products protect the researcher from constant exposure to animal allergens with laminar flow HEPA filtered air streams and provide large working areas for the operator’s maximum free range of motion.
 

“When you meet a vivarium professional, you may want to ask about AALAS, joining the association, and getting involved in your local AALAS branch, where you’re sure to meet interesting and dedicated, scientific-minded people, plus get a chance to have some fun and see some lovely places, like the Belvoir, as well.”