Medical research on animals is necessary because animals have certain characteristics similar to humans, which means by doing research we can find out how to improve our own health as well. Certain animals are immune to diseases which human can contract and if an efficient amount of testing is done, we can apply these traits to humans. The Federal law requires that all procedures and tests be done on animals first before humans are administrated the same tests.
While veterinarians treat animals, as part of their profession, also help other physicians, working to prevent diseases in humans by doing clinical research on animals. Veterinarians must acquire a Doctor of Veterinary Degree from a four- year accredited university and State License in order to practice and research on animals in any way. The Council on Education of the American Veterinary Medical Association or AVMA sets the prerequisites and standards that are met to earn such a degree. Also, the Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates allows foreign students to practice inside the United States and ensures they meet all the necessary requirements to do so.
Veterinarians are increasingly becoming more popular because pet owners want the best possible health care for their animals. Many people want the same care as humans to improve the overall quality of life for their animals. There are just a few accredited schools, so competition among graduating veterinarians is high. The average salary per year for a private practicing veterinarian is $55,000. Those who exclusively treat large animals and have many years experience can earn up to $95,000 per year.
Many biologists enter a specific field of study such as zoology, microbiology, botany, biochemistry, physiology, marine biology, ecology, and biophysicists. Each field deals with a specific aspect of animal life. Many enter the field of biology to understand the nuances and intricacies of animal or plant life and seek ways to improve healthcare for them. A careful study of animals and their basic genetic structure can lead biologists to apply their knowledge of animal and plant health to human health as well. Study one specific type of biology can lead to other modes of study in aiding and prolonging life in humans. Many biologists work for the government and universities in laboratories in which they conduct extensive clinical research.
Zoologists, in relationship with animal clinical research, study the cause of death from diseases in animals, and how to treat and prevent them. Zoologists cover a very broad field and can study one specific type of species or cover many if they choose to. Marine biologists study the molecular biology of living organisms living in salt water. By studying the molecular structure of a creature, marine biologists can determine which creatures are immune to specific diseases and can apply these traits to humans.
Those who wish to enter the wildlife biologist profession must have at least a bachelor’s degree and Ph. D. for independent, private practice in animal clinical research. There are currently 20,000 wildlife biologists and that number is expected to increase to around 2,000 in the next decade. The average salary of a wildlife biologist is $53,000 per year.
There are institutions such as The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee or IACUC that require zoologists, biologists, and veterinarians to abide by specific laws to ensure the safe treatment on animals in clinical research. This committee ensures that laboratory animals use for research or instructional purposes implement the safety guidelines at all times. In addition, the IACUC regulates that all personnel must be properly trained to perform such medical research on animals. In addition to the IACUC, there is the United States Animal Welfare Act or AWA, which regulates the living conditions of animals and can submit criminal penalties permit violations if such guidelines are not met during clinical research. With such laws in place, animals are assured of the right to be humanely euthanized. Many of the animals used in clinical research are of the rodent species and are bred specifically for clinical research.
Another organization that contributes to the safety and well-being of animals is the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Care International or AAALAC. Veterinarians and other practitioners of animal healthcare seek this accreditation to further establish their commitment to animal health.
Animals have complex systems like humans; hence, it is important to research on animals with the same characteristics to determine which preventive solutions to use. Medical research on animals is incredibly expensive so researchers go through extraordinary efforts to make the most out of their trials. Many biologists and other research positions need Federal grant money to continue research. This can be difficult to obtain during struggling economic times. On an average, just one out of four grant proposals are approved. The applications must be very detailed, descriptive, and should include justification as to why such clinical research should take place. The ultimate goal is to find cure for deadly diseases such as cancer, AIDS etc. that we need to eliminate.
