Ethics on the edge: Navigating the morality of biotechnology in animal research

Abstract: Biotechnology involves exploiting biological systems for human benefit and animals are used in basic biological and medical research, developing new disease treatments, assessing chemical and pharmaceutical safety, and teaching biology. Over the 20th century, scientists developed methods for modifying DNA in cells to improve understanding of gene function in illness, inheritance, and biological processes. However, the use of animals in research raises concerns about transgenic animals and mammalian cloning, as well as institutional and human-animal interactions. Regulatory agencies are creating regulations to address these issues, requiring increased awareness and monitoring of animal welfare and veterinarians can play crucial role in conducting monitoring, particularly in the context of research involving the development of novel genetically modified animals, especially food animal strains.