WASHINGTON, March 27, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- National
Association for Biomedical Research President Matthew R. Bailey issued the following statement
regarding the need to streamline transportation of animals used
domestically in medical research, particularly during the current
coronavirus pandemic.
On March 18, 2020, NABR sent a
letter to Vice President Mike Pence
and Transportation Secretary Elaine
Chao urging the Trump administration to streamline
transportation of animals used domestically in medical research.
NABR's letter states that the proclamation of a national emergency
regarding the coronavirus pandemic underscores the importance of
streamlining animal research to develop vaccines and cures for the
novel coronavirus and other dangerous diseases. The Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention is testing antiviral medications in
an effort to develop treatments and cures for the coronavirus.
Research such as this must be expedited and streamlined to prevent
the spread of infectious diseases and to save human lives.
"Access to laboratory animals is necessary to develop and ensure
the safety of drugs and medical devices. Research animals are vital
to understanding the genetic and molecular pathways that lead to
disease, promising areas for research leading to new treatments for
devasting diseases," stated Bailey.
"Laboratory animals used in medical research are purpose bred
under controlled conditions with highly defined health status. We
urge the Trump administration to take immediate action to eliminate
policies that discriminate against transportation of animals
intended for research if they are to operate in the airspace of
the United States," he continued.
"Urgent action is needed to address the detrimental effect current
airline policies are having on vital research programs."
Presently, medical researchers in the
United States must rely on foreign airlines to transport
many animals used in medical research due to the pressure tactics
of PETA and other animal rights groups. Even in the midst of the
coronavirus crisis, these groups continue to pressure airlines that
are aiding American efforts to develop treatments for the
disease.
About NABR: The National Association for Biomedical Research
(NABR) is America's most experienced, trusted and effective
nonprofit dedicated to improving human and animal health by
promoting public understanding and support for biomedical research.
Together with its sister organization the Foundation for Biomedical
Research, NABR illuminates the essential role animal testing and
research plays in changing health outcomes and defeating illnesses
affecting both people and animals. NABR promotes understanding and
support for biomedical research. NABR was established in 1981 and
is headquartered in Washington,
D.C. Visit us at www.nabr.org.
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SOURCE National Association for Biomedical Research