Survey Finds Strong Support For Biomedical Animal Research

Oregon Voices for Biomedical Research (OVBR), a nonprofit advocacy group comprised of veterinarians, scientists, healthcare professionals, and concerned Oregonians, has released the findings of an independent poll showing that the majority of Americans support animal-based research for advancements in human and animal health. The survey, conducted by Ipsos, involved over 2,000 U.S. adults.

According to the poll, more than 60% of respondents support the use of animals in biomedical research when it is conducted under the supervision of veterinary staff, while only 13% are opposed. The results indicate that regulated animal research for human diseases remains widely accepted, with strict opposition being a minority view.

The survey also revealed that 53% of participants believe animal research is acceptable when no reliable alternatives exist, and 51% agree that such research should continue until viable alternatives are developed. Additionally, less than one-third of respondents (29%) believe that artificial intelligence is capable of replacing animal research in biomedical studies.

Furthermore, around 63% of those surveyed oppose using humans, including pregnant women and children, as test subjects instead of animals. About 30% of U.S. adults indicated they would be willing to volunteer for studies testing the safety of medicines. The data supports the ongoing research at the Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC), which operates under strict veterinary and federal oversight.

Participants identified diseases such as rare genetic disorders, conditions affecting the brain and nervous system like dementia and Alzheimer's, and infectious diseases such as HIV and malaria, as acceptable areas for animal studies in the absence of other methods. OVBR is responding to political pressures regarding the potential closure of ONPRC, stating that such a move is based on anti-science politics rather than evidence and public interest.