Fact vs. Myth

Myth

Animals are not needed for medical research. Most medical breakthroughs have resulted from epidemiological studies, computer models, and cell cultures.

Fact

From vaccines to bone marrow transplants, animals have been right by our side, helping medicine advance. Practically every present day protocol for the prevention, control and cure of disease, and relief of pain, is based on knowledge attained — directly or indirectly — through research with animals. Physicians and scientists overwhelmingly agree that animal systems provide invaluable and irreplaceable insights into human systems because there are striking similarities between the genetic make-up and physiological systems of animals and humans.

As yet, there is no complete alternative to biomedical research with animals. Since even the most sophisticated technology cannot mimic the complex cellular interactions that occur in a living system, there is still an essential need to develop surgical procedures, drugs, medical devices, and other promising treatments with some animals before there are human trials.

However, prospects are favorable for reducing the use of animals in the area of product development and testing. And conceivably, the day may come when animal research is no longer necessary.

Myth

Dogs, cats and monkeys are the most popular research animals.

Fact

Since the 1970s, the number of dogs and cats needed in animal research has declined by 70 percent and 72 percent, respectively. The number of primates needed represents less than one half of one percent of lab animals.

Nobel Prize-winning research on the immunological basis for organ rejection was conducted with dogs.

Similarly, Nobel Prize-winning research with cats has contributed enormously to our understanding of eye disorders such as strabismus (or "cross-eye") and amblyopia, a serious visual impairment that can cause blindness in one or both eyes.

There is an essential need for non-human primates, mainly rhesus monkeys, in the study of arteriosclerosis, reproductive disorders, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease, and infectious diseases such as viral hepatitis and AIDS.

Myth

Animals are not needed for medical research. Most medical breakthroughs have resulted from epidemiological studies, computer models, and cell cultures.

Fact

Biomedical research involving lab animals has played a vital role in virtually every major medical advance of the last century. Practically every present day protocol for the prevention, control and cure of disease, and relief of pain, is based on knowledge attained – directly or indirectly – through research with animals. Physicians and scientists overwhelmingly agree that animal systems provide invaluable and irreplaceable insights into human systems because there are striking similarities between the genetic and physiological systems of animals and humans.

While medical and scientific advances achieved through research with animals are frequently supplemented by knowledge obtained through non-animal methods – such as computer models, mathematical models, cell and tissue cultures, clinical observation, and epidemiology – these "alternative" methods serve only as adjuncts to basic animal research.

As yet, there is no complete alternative to biomedical research with animals. There is still an essential need to develop surgical procedures, test drugs, medical devices, and other promising treatments on some animals before they are tested on humans since even the most sophisticated technology cannot mimic the complex cellular interactions that occur in a living system.

However, prospects are favorable for reducing the use of animals in the area of product development and testing. And conceivably, the day may come when animal research is no longer necessary

Myth

Researchers are indifferent to the well-being of animals.

Fact

For humane, compassionate, and scientific reasons, researchers are deeply concerned about the condition of the animals they study. This is not a controversial position – there is no constituency for inhumane or irresponsible treatment. Poor care results in unreliable research data. For results to be valid, animal subjects must be in good condition and appropriately healthy. Also, pain and distress are thought to have a negative impact on the immune system so researchers are careful to protect their animals from undue stress.

In the words of the esteemed Dr. Michael E. DeBakey, Chancellor Emeritus of the Baylor College of Medicine and Director of the DeBakey Heart Center: "These scientists, veterinarians, physicians, surgeons, and others who do research in animal laboratories are as much concerned about the care of the animals as anyone can be. Their respect for the dignity of life and compassion for the sick and disabled, in fact, is what motivated them to search for ways of relieving the pain and suffering caused by diseases."

It is well recognized that animals have been indispensable to the cause of medical and scientific research. We have a moral duty to provide them the best care and treatment possible.

Myth

Stem cell research does not require animal models.

Fact

Promising medical treatments are on the horizon, thanks to the tremendous capabilities of stem cells, but stem cell treatments must first demonstrate safety and efficacy in animal models before they can be introduced in humans. Stem cells have the potential to regenerate cells, tissues and organs, and to serve as delivery tools of important growth factors. Neural stem cells have been shown to deliver enzymes to brain cells in rats, penetrating the blood-brain barrier, and pointing to a potential treatment for Alzheimer's. Scientist are now developing drugs to regulate the actions of stem cells once they have been implanted, to be sure that they reproduce at the proper rate and that they differentiate into the right kind of cells.

Stem cells also allow close examination of the stages of cell and tissue development, and the origins of abnormalities. In fact, with further study, stem cells may be capable of replicating tissues and organs with such precision that fewer animal models would be required for certain types of research. However, there is still much that is unknown about stem cells and how they can best be used to treat diseases and disorders. It is critical, therefore, that scientist have the ability to explore all avenues of stem cell research to most fully benefit human and animal health.

Myth

If you really love animals, you support the animal rights movement and its efforts to end animal research.

Fact

The vast majority of Americans support improving human and animal health through the responsible and humane use of animals in medical and scientific research. And most Americans love animals. The two concepts are not mutually exclusive – when you know the facts. Though it isn’t easy to reconcile our love and appreciation for animals and the essential need for animal research, knowing that the animals are treated respectfully, responsibly, and as humanely as possible, strengthens our understanding and respect for animal research.

Those who seek to end animal research – either because they choose to reject its well established validity and usefulness or because they believe the life of a rat is equal in importance to the life of a child – have gone to shocking lengths to subvert medical and scientific progress. University laboratories have been broken into, animals stolen and years of precious research data destroyed. Though many animal rights organizations refuse to condemn such criminal behaviors, law-abiding Americans have not, do not now, and will not in the future tolerate violent and radical activist campaigns against the biomedical research community.