Chimpanzees are genetically very close to human beings. As a result, these animals are very useful when conducting human biomedical and behavioral research (National Academies of Science). Plenty of research have been done using these animals leading to great developments in public health. Although these primates have helped researchers to make plenty of contribution to public health, some people feel that other alternatives should be considered.
It is true that chimpanzees have played a vital role in medical research. However, their use as animal models is no longer appealing as technology provides alternatives. Complete discontinuation of chimpanzees in laboratories may not be possible, but it will be utilized in deserving cases only (National Academies of Science). Cases of developing monoclonal antibodies may require the use of the primates for some time because technological alternatives are not well developed. There are indications in scientific research that researchers are now turning to other alternatives provided by technology.
Biomedical research may still turn to the use of the chimpanzee in the case of new medical disorders that cannot be examined using alternative models (National Academies of Science). Authorities in the scientific world should develop guidelines to help determine when the use of chimpanzees as models is required. Development of alternative models requires the continued support of the concerned bodies. It will need plenty of resources to ensure the available models are good enough to produce the expected results.
The use of chimpanzees as model animals should be allowed in cases that meet the following criteria.
1. The research in question can only be done on chimpanzees. There should be no other models that fit the situation.
2. It is not possible to ethically conduct the research on human beings.
3. Failure to use the primates as models will hinder the development of crucial discoveries in human health.
The use of chimpanzees may also be necessary for genomic research seeking to have a better understanding of disease mechanisms, human development and the vulnerability owing to the similarities of their genetics to those of people (National Academies of Science). Genomic research exposes the animals to minimum risk of pain or distress when the collection of samples from live beings is necessary. Again guidance of scientific authorities is required to ensure chimpanzees are used in the right manner in genomic research.
The use of chimpanzees as models may also be necessary to get insights that cannot be attained through other models to boost the understanding of detection, prevention and control of diseases in human beings (National Academies of Science). This will also require the guidance of the authorities to ensure the animals are not abused in the name of research. Care should be exercised in the research to avoid causing excessive pain to the animals.
The guidance provided by the concerned authorities is not only aimed at influencing modern research. Future research will also be guided by the decisions made today regarding the use of chimpanzees as models for research (National Academies of Science). Any recommendations made today will be implemented gradually, to avoid interrupting current research programs. Swift implementation of the proposals can also affect the existence of the primates.
In conclusion, the use of chimpanzees in research has helped scientists make important discoveries regarding public health. Chimpanzees have been used because of their closeness to humans genetically. However, there is a need to reduce or discontinue their use as models because technological advances have provided other alternatives. Their use in research may not be interrupted as there are cases when other options may not be the best to use.
Works Cited
Bruce M. Altevogt, Diane E. Pankevich, Marilee K. Shelton-Davenport, and Jeffrey P. Kahn, Editors; Committee on the Use of Chimpanzees in Biomedical and Behavioral Research; Board on Health Sciences Policy; Board on Life Sciences; Division on Earth and Life Studies; Institute of Medicine; National Research Council
Retrieved from: http://www.nationalacademies.org/hmd/Reports/2011/Chimpanzees-in-Biomedical-and-Behavioral-Research-Assessing-the-Necessity.aspx
