Animal research provides fundamental knowledge about how to prevent and treat disease of both humans and animals. This research also enables scientists to understand the normal body functions of humans and animals and, through this understanding, to make advances in overcoming abnormalities.
Animal research increases the human life span, improves the quality of life, and saves lives.
Major changes in medical care have occurred as a result of animal research. These include immunizations, antibiotic therapy, open-heart surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy for cancer, diagnostic techniques, and new equipment such as dialysis machines and artificial joints. Animal research has also led to the use of new medications to treat cardiovascular diseases, inflammatory states, and central nervous system disorders. Animal research has also improved the health and well-being of pets and the productivity of farm animals. Animal research has produced many vaccines for animal diseases, including those against rabies, distemper, feline leukemia, and cattle plague.