Cures for all

If you have read my posts on a regular basis I may appear as insensible to animals or at least those used in research. Those that know me on a personal basis know that this isn't true. Far from me is the idea of wanting to sound apologetic though. I do have to admit that advancing animal research isn't only about benefits to humans it is about benefits to animals as well. An aspect I did not blog about yet. Animals just happen not to read my pages and in the greater scheme of ecosystems and biodiversity to me humans just take priority.

This being said medical advancement based on research has benefited animals and this will continue to be the case. Did you know that in 2007, US pet ownership accounted for  +72 million dogs, +81 million cats, +11 million birds and +7 million horses (source AVMA)?
I can point you to this article that talks to some issues facing pets.  Likewise the UK National Office on Animal Health has a good page about animal medicines. Agriculture and more specifically livestock has also greatly benefited from research. This in turn benefits us as well.

Actually we are a bunch of lucky people, at least for those of us living in well fed, well educated, well homed (you get the picture) countries. Some would just love to have the type of problems or dilemmas we have. Who hasn't lived the pressures of our children towards owning an animal? In comes the aquarium or perhaps the colourful budgie. It might even be a cat or a dog. Some more adventurous will acquire a reptile or a snake -not an endangered species that is. For our children, it could be the beginning towards a career in biology or in veterinary medicine, who knows? Hopefully though will this love for animals in time not turn into radicalism or animal extremism!

It reminds me of the Convention in International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES), which is about regulating trade not about stopping trade, a nuance often lost by those involved with endangered species. Or perhaps not so by those that seek to abolish any kind of animal use? So called flag ship species such as the big cats, whales, elephants, rhinos, apes and monkeys are powerful motivators and people don't hesitate to donate to their causes. It seems certain priorities do get lost in action. We do need to be reminded that non human primates continue to be valuable animal models for research. This very research can also be the basis towards improving animal life. Not just improving life of pets but also farm animals or those in zoo's & aquariums and those that will be re-introduced as a result of in-situ or ex-situ conservation programs.

Once discovered a cure, medication or medical device will serve many purposes and that is what matters most to those that suffer from a disease be they animals or humans. 

Learning and appreciating contributors to well-being

I know I keep on talking about education and where to find valuable information about the use of animals in research. I too started from scratch but by being involved I learned and discovered people whom share a common passion. People that care about humans and animals alike and about advancing medical research for the greater benefit of all.

Training truly is a great way of advancing in life, personally and in a career. Actually I find that in any activity you do there is a learning aspect. Sometimes you may be challenged by a task and it is daunting. You are being asked to come out of your comfort zone and that is not always easy I know.
You really shouldn't feel bad or akward about this, for you have trained and learned during your entire life.

Most aspects in animal research are regulated in one way or another and that is a very good thing.
For example take transportation, not only are there the guidelines for the humane transportation of research animals
ILAR guidelines for the HUMANE TRANSPORTATION OF RESEARCH ANIMALS

but in addition there are also state, interstate, national and international regulations that govern some aspect of the movement animals, be they destined to research or not. These can involve such aspects as health permits, import criteria or control mechanisms preventing the introduction of diseases or invasive species. Another important aspect is the Convention in international trade of endangered species of wild fauna and flora, also known as CITES.

Other examples include the IATA Live Animals Regulations manual, which the airlines abide by for the acceptance, packing and handling of live animals, and laws set forth by countries such as the Animal Welfare Act in the United States or EC Regulation #1 - 2005 that is applicable through-out Europe.

The care and use of animals in laboratories is another domain covered by guidelines that you can train to and should be familiar with.   You can order the guide here or download the pdf for free
So yes there is more to it than meets the eye but with good training and some mentors I am confident that you too can learn your way into understanding and learning about what is involved in biomedical research.
Then there are those that dedicate their lives towards understanding disease mechanisms, virus functions and their transmission, gene research etc, the list is endless.
This is fundamental research that leads to important breakthroughs we all benefit from. Some researchers one day reach the ultimate hall of fame and are rewarded for their work with a Nobel price. You can find a list of these Nobel laureates hereafter together with how they contributed to Medicine and which animal models contributed to their success.
Medical Progress, Nobel laureates and associated animals

About a year ago I benefited from this one:

Discovery of the bacterium Helicobacter pylori and its role in gastritis and peptic ulcer disease

I and my family therefore thank M. Barry J. Marshall and the piglets he used, wholeheartedly!