Three recent public opinion polls held by the Foundation of Biomedical Research (FBR), US, show that acceptance of animal research in the US is still split, despite the ongoing pandemic.
Polls held in April, May and October 2020 showed that only roughly half (53-57%) of survey respondents would say they support the use of animals in biomedical research, even when the research was regarding Covid-19.
Support for animal research did increase following comments by leading US scientist, Dr Anthony Fauci, who advocated for the use of animals in Covid-19 vaccine research, with 64% of respondents saying they would agree with animal research in light of his statement.
The FBR highlight the need for greater communication, including advocacy from public figures, about animal research in order to increase public support.