Quick Facts About Animal Research
Number and kinds of animals used The
Office of Technology Assessment estimates that 17-23 million animals
are used in the United States for research every year.1
The vast majority of these – about 95% – are rats and
mice specifically bred for research. In 2000, there were 69,516
dogs and 25,560 cats used in research.2
By comparison, wildlife biologists estimate that over one
million animals are killed every day by automobiles –
over 365 million per year. 3
Dogs, cats, and non-human primates combined
account for less than 3/4 of a percent of the total and their numbers
has been declining for nearly 30 years. The number of dogs used
in biomedical research has declined 67% since 1973, and the number
of cats used in biomedical research has declined 63% since 1973.
4
The number of dogs and cats used is declining
Source: USDA Annual Report 2000
Pain and distress |
Most animals
do not experience significant pain or distress
Source: USDA Annual Report 2000
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The majority of animals used in biomedical research do not
experience significant pain or distress.
According to the 2000 USDA Annual Report,
63% of animals experienced slight or momentary pain, such
as an injection. Twenty-nine percent of the research procedures
employed anesthesia and postoperative painkillers. In seven
percent of the procedures, neither anesthesia nor pain medication
could be used, as they would have interfered with research
results. 5 However, when this
is the case, pain is minimized as much as possible.
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The investment in animal research
In 2000, about $45 billion was spent in the United
States for biomedical research.6 This
figure includes all research, not only research with animals,
and it includes both government and private funding. By comparison,
Americans spent $1,299.5 billion on health care in the year 2000.7
In other words, for every dollar spent on health care, three and
a half cents were spent on research.
Economists estimate that the increase in life expectancy
from the 1970s and 1980s alone was worth $57 trillion to Americans.
The value of improvements in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular
diseases alone is estimated to be $31 trillion. 8
The contribution of animal research to these savings is
unquestionable. A report by the Lasker Foundation concluded
that Americans save $9 billion every year from the development
of lithium as a treatment for bipolar disorder, development
for which animal research was crucial. A $56 million research
program on testicular cancer has yielded a 91% cure rate,
and annual savings of $166 million. 9
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Scientists are pleased that the small investment
in animal research yields improved treatments and cures that save
money. But far more rewarding is the knowledge that animal research
saves lives.
References
1. U.S. Congress, Office of
Technology Assessment, Alternatives to Animal Use in Research, Testing,
and Education (Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office,
OTA-BA-273, February 1986). http://govinfo.library.unt.edu/ota/Ota_3/DATA/1986/8601.PDF
2. USDA Animal Care Report,
2000. http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ac/awrep2000.pdf
3. Wall Street Journal, August
1, 2002. "In the Headlights: As Man and Beast Clash on Highways,
Both Sides Lose." Page A1.
4. USDA Animal Care Report,
2000. http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ac/awrep2000.pdf
5. USDA Animal Care Report,
2000. http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ac/awrep2000.pdf
6. Lasker Foundation, Exceptional
Returns: The Economic Value of America's Investment in Biomedical
Research, 2000. http://www.laskerfoundation.org/reports/pdf/exceptional.pdf
7. National Center for Health
Statistics. Health, United States, 2002. http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/hexpense.htm
8. Lasker Foundation, Exceptional
Returns: The Economic Value of America's Investment in Biomedical
Research, 2000. http://www.laskerfoundation.org/reports/pdf/exceptional.pdf
9. Lasker Foundation, Exceptional
Returns: The Economic Value of America's Investment in Biomedical
Research, 2000. http://www.laskerfoundation.org/reports/pdf/exceptional.pdf
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