Scientists use animals to research both animal and human diseases. As a veterinary medical student, you are not required to conduct, or assist in, animal research at Colorado State University. However, you may be involved with the treatment of research animals at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. It is important for you to understand the benefits of animal research to modern veterinary and human medicine.
The value of animal research to animals and humans is considerable. Without animal research, animals and humans today would suffer from a greater number of illnesses that are now treatable and curable. Animal research holds the best hope for continued progress in the fight against such devastating illnesses as AIDS, feline leukemia virus, heart disease, cancer, and a host of other human and animal ills.
The use of animals in research is a privilege that carries with it the responsibilities of proper care and humane treatment of animals. To biomedical scientists, proper care is in the best interest of the laboratory animals and is essential to ensure quality research. All biomedical researchers at Colorado State University practice the "Three R's" concept: reduce the number of animals used when possible; refine techniques to minimize or eliminate discomfort; replace animals when feasible with alternative methods such as computer modeling or cell and tissue cultures.
