Partners In Lifesaving

"Virtually every major medical advance for both humans and animals has been achieved through biomedical research by using animal models to study and find a cure for disease and through animal testing to prove the safety and efficacy of a new treatment.

While animal research has aided us greatly in our battle for better living, our greatest challenges lie before us. Continuing medical research is desperately needed to combat diseases such as cancer, AIDS, Alzheimer's and cystic fibrosis. Without the use of animals in this research, continued medical milestones will be stifled."

C. Everett Koop, M.D, Sc. D.
Former U.S. Surgeon General

Strides in Biomedical Research

Medical advances using animal research have been dramatic over the last century. Improved treatments for the three major killers -- heart disease, cancer and diabetes -- have been made possible through animal research. More than 90% of the animals used in such research are rodents.

Childhood disease such as rubella and whooping cough have all but disappeared due to vaccines developed through animal research. Jonas Salk's polio vaccine, developed in 1953 using monkeys, has virtually eradicated polio. Animal research led to the discovery of penicillin and other antibiotics.
Currently there is promising work on the development of an AIDS vaccine using primates. Cats are being used to explore the cause of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Research on primates has uncovered an important characteristic of Alzheimer's disease, paving the way for discovering its cause and developing potential treatments.

Animals Helping Animals

Animals also benefit from knowledge gained through biomedical research. Most of the techniques and treatments used to save animals have been adapted from human medical or surgical practice originally based on animal research. Medications to kill parasites and vaccines against rabies, feline leukemia, distemper and hepatitis have been developed using animal research. New surgical techniques, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, cryosurgery and hypothermia have helped many pets live longer.

Wilds animals have also benefited from animal research. Many endangered species, such as the bald eagle, alligator, red wolf and Florida panther, have been saved as a result of research on reproduction, nutrition, toxicology and medicine.

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