American Embryo Transfer Association (AETA)

CHAPTER 2, SECTION 4

AMERICAN EMBRYO TRANSFER ASSOCIATION

The American Embryo Transfer Association (AETA) was formed to unite U.S. organizations and individuals involved in the embryo transfer (ET) industry. AETA helps to ensure the highest standards of quality for those interested in importing embryos of U.S. livestock. This affiliated federation operates under self-imposed standards of performance and conduct. Its purpose is to promote the mutual interests and ideals of AETA members, to protect the ET industry to the extent technically and ethically possible, to provide education on the capabilities of U.S. ET technologies and to encourage engagement within the industry.

The organization is dedicated to developing and maintaining the highest industry standards. Under the guidance of a self-governing Board of Directors and working committees, leadership is committed to protecting member integrity and camaraderie.

The AETA’s priority is to improve the quality of all ET practices. This objective is met by providing a direct link between research and field applications of the technology.

Embryo transfer is a valuable tool for genetic improvement among livestock herds. U.S. Livestock Genetics Export, Inc. explains how embryo transfer offers a cost-effective means of transporting U.S. genetics to add genetic diversity to a herd. Learn more at USLGE.org.

AETA CERTIFICATION

As the representative of organizations engaged in commercial ET practices, the AETA recognizes its responsibility to establish performance standards for the ET industry to enhance the perception of the industry and to ensure accuracy and completeness of all records pertaining to the parentage of the resulting offspring.

The AETA Certification Program, established in 1985, is a voluntary program and is not contingent upon membership in the AETA. The objective of the AETA Certification Program is to establish and maintain standards within the ET industry and to ensure the certified practitioner meet or exceeds these standards while performing procedures involved with ET practices.

To be eligible for certification a practitioner must hold either (1) a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or equivalent degree with a license to practice veterinary medicine in the U.S., or (2) a Ph.D. with emphasis in animal reproductive physiology. This individual must have passed the AETA Certification Exam. He/she must have the necessary equipment available, and the knowledge to properly collect, freeze and thaw embryos.

The AETA Certification Program works closely with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to qualify and meet specific protocols for export of U.S. bovine embryos to foreign markets.

Visit www.aeta.org/certification.asp for updated certification guidelines, or contact the Cooperator Committee at aeta@assochq.org to learn more about import/export protocols or to attend AETA events.

For more information about the AETA, visit www.aeta.org.