Letter to the editor: Reality check on animal research

Regarding the article “Pennsylvania monkey truck crash spawns conspiracy theories after woman at scene falls ill” (Jan. 25, TribLIVE): The recent truck crash in Pennsylvania, which sadly resulted in the deaths of three research monkeys, has naturally received widespread media attention. It’s also unsurprising those opposed to animal research — despite the fact that it benefits both humans and animals alike — have quickly sought to capitalize off the situation.

Here’s a reality check.

First, the risk posed to humans is minimal. Only a handful of people approached the animals. Nobody appears to have been bitten or scratched. Furthermore, stories that a local resident became ill are reportedly untrue. This is according to the woman herself who told her local newspaper, “I want people to know that I’m not sick, despite what they read in the media.” She is wisely following the advice of federal health experts and is receiving preventive treatment as a precautionary measure.

Additionally, as unfortunate as this accident was, we must not lose sight of the simple fact that health studies in animals — including monkeys — are a critical and necessary part of the research process. They allow for new treatments and cures. For example, all of the covid-19 vaccines were developed and tested on animals.

Simply put, we would not be able to effectively combat the current pandemic without animal studies. This is a fact whether the animal rights groups that seek to capitalize off this sad event like it or not.

Paula Clifford

Washington, D.C.