1. Advances Based on Animal Research Virtually all major medical advance have involved animal research.

2. Without Animal Research… O 65 million Americans would be at risk for death from heart attack, stroke or kidney failure since they would not have medication to control their blood pressure. O A cure for diabetes would be beyond reach. O There would be no hope of finding a safe and effective vaccine against AIDS.

3. In the United States (more than 300 million people) O 9 billion animals are consumed each year as food. O 26 million animals are used for biomedical research annually. O 170 million animals are kept as pets.

4. Number and Species of Animals Used Most people are not aware that more than 90% of the animals used in biomedical research are rats and mice. - short life span - ease of breeding - biological similarities to humans

5. O Less than 1% of animals used in research are cats and dogs - Nervous System Research - Circulatory System Research O Less than 0.5% are non human primates such as monkeys - Studying the brain - Developing human vaccines

6. Did you know? O Most animals used in medical research are bred specifically for research. O Due to restrictive legislation in some states, unwanted animals in city pound may not be released for research. O Valid and useful scientific findings are obtainable only when research animals are healthy and protected from undue stress. O It is unethical to test substances or drugs with unknown effects on humans.

7. Care of Research Animals O Taking care of animals used in research is a major concern of the research community. O Scientists try to reduce any pain and distress to the animals. This allows for normal biological and behavior responses the research need to measure. O From food and exercise to housing and social interaction, research animals are treated with respect and dignity.

8. Who Takes Care of Animals Used in Research? O Animals are cared for by technicians, somewhat like nurses in a hospital setting. O Most animal care technician are trained in two or four year college programs. O The technicians are supervised by a veterinarian.

9. What are Animal Facilities Like? O Animal care facilities are kept clean. O Technicians make sure the animals are eating properly, are healthy and comfortable and are receiving conscientious care. O Animal facilities are like hospitals for humans.

10. What About Pain? O Data from 2010 states that 61% of animals are not exposed to pain at all, those who do are given anesthesia or pain relieves. O 8.6% of the cases were animals exposed to pain represent research on chronic pain, a problem for: O Cancer Patients O Burn Victims

11. Federal Requirements for Animal Testing O FDA: Responsible for regulating drugs, food, medical devices, biological products, etc. cosmetics. O EPA: Uses data from animal tests to identify & regulate substances. O Customer Product Safety Commission: Relies on data from animal tests in identifying & regulating risks to consumers from household & other products. O OSHA: Uses data from animal tests to set regulations to protect workers in the workplace.

12. Laws, Regulations and Guidelines O Animal Welfare Act: Responsible for overseeing an organization’s animal care. In 1985, the congress amended the Animal Welfare Act to require that all research facilities with activities involving the care and use of animals in research, testing or teaching procedures must appoint an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) O IACUC: Committee designed for overseeing an organization's animal care & use program