Animal Testing

I propose that research performed using animals is justified and should continue. Animal testing is necessary for improvements in human medicine through understanding of genetics, development of vaccines and other drugs, and further research into surgical procedures and cures for diseases. To define the terms of the argument, I am defining research as both laboratory and non-laboratory experimentation which is designed to gain a general knowledge (ie. medicine, behavioral qualities, etc…). Research performed includes both living and deceased animal testing and experimentation. I am defining the term justified as being both warranted and well grounded. While this argument may be expanded globally, when focusing on welfare standards I will primarily focus on US regulations and standards. In recent years, genetics has been highly researched in animals. Genome mapping and subsequent testing has answered questions about gene expression, regulation, and genetic mutation. Protein function has become clearer after this research as well as drug interaction with certain bacteria and viruses which may infect a host animal. Genetics research is leading toward advancement in medicine which may be able to affect gene expression of certain disorders or genetic predisposition to certain diseases. Cancer research is one of the largest areas of genetic research; however many new drugs have been and are being developed from this research. Animal testing has also been critical in the development of numerous vaccines. For example the rabies, MMR, and polio all were developed with the use of animal testing. These vaccines are able to save numerous lives and are mass distributed. Without prior animal testing it is exceedingly unlikely that scientists will be able to determine certainty of long term effects of the vaccines and their safety for live patients. Simply testing the vaccine strains on cultures would not provide evidence of long term effects and the use of an untested vaccine on humans would be exceedingly harmful. Animal research is able to provide answers in the medical field that cannot be obtained through test tube experiments, use of cultures, or computer models. Testing on humans is restricted by the IRB and animals are the next closest models. Differences between human and animal models can be accounted for and still provide relevant results that can be applied to human medicine. Numerous medical advances in surgery and treatment have come about as of a result of animal testing. Organ transplants, by-pass surgery, chemotherapy, join replacements, etc… were all first tested on animals before they were performed on humans. Treatments for AIDS, tetanus, diabetes, and many other diseases and disorders were also developed based on animal research. On the side of animal welfare, it must be noted that research performed on animals is monitored by organizations including the FDA, USDA, and IACUC. While not all animals are covered under the US Animal Welfare Act, the act does seek to provide what has been noted as adequate welfare standards for many key species. Animal testing has led to many improvements in the treatment of animals. Veterinary drugs and surgical procedures are the result of such testing and nutritionally balanced diets for pets and production animals have been developed after this research. With this evidence, I find research performed on animals to be necessary and is therefore justified.