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Biotechnology and Animals
- There have been 111 USDA-approved biotech-derived veterinary biologics and vaccines that improve the health of livestock, poultry and companion animals. Biotech veterinary products to treat heartworm, arthritis, parasites, allergies and heart disease, as well as vaccines for rabies and feline HIV, are used daily by veterinarians.
- Biotechnology has significantly improved the way veterinarians address animal health issues through the use of biotech vaccines and diagnostic kits and improved breeding programs that can help to eliminate hereditary diseases.
- Current sales of biotechnology-based, animal health products generate $2.8 billion (out of a total market for animal health products of $18 billion). The animal health industry invests more than $400 million a year in research and development. Biotechnology-based animal health products and services are expected to grow to $5.1 billion in 2005.
- The animal health industry is regulated by three government agencies: the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
- Genomics, transgenics and cloning techniques provide new approaches for advancing the quality and efficiency of the production of meat, milk and eggs, and reducing the environmental impact of agriculture. These technologies are also being used to help preserve endangered species.
- Animals enhanced or bred through biotechnology techniques eat, drink and behave similarly to their conventional counterparts.
Animals Used in Biomedical Research and Biotechnology
- The ability to conduct humane and responsible animal-based research must be preserved to help conquer disease, alleviate suffering and improve the quality of life.
- Research involving animals has been critical to understanding the fundamental processes of human biology that are so integral to modern medicine. Virtually every major medical advance of the last century has depended upon research with animals. Biotechnology companies have depended on this research to develop more than 160 drugs and vaccines approved by FDA, helping 325 million people worldwide and preventing incalculable human suffering.
- Animal activists erroneously believe these animals are abused or that computer models can substitute live research models. Studies show that computer models are an important component of medical research, but that all research invariably requires live models.
- The appropriate and responsible use of animals is an indispensable part of biomedical and agricultural research. Additionally, animals that are treated well provide the normal biological or behavioral responses researchers need to collect reliable data.
- Animal biotechnology research (including products from transgenic animals) is subject to science-based regulatory oversight by the FDA, USDA, EPA, NIH, CDC, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and other local agencies.
- Farmers and scientists place animal care as their top priority. The care and handling of biotech animals must be approved by an institutional animal care and use committee, as required by USDA and the Animal Welfare Act. The USDA or NIH inspects research institutions to verify the well-being and care of animals.
- Biotech animals do not suffer more pain or distress than conventional animals, and these animals often receive the ultimate in animal care because they are special animals for livestock producers and companies.
BIO's Statement of Ethical Principles for the Care and Use of Animals in Biotechnology Research
Read the statement.
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