Cats have a neurological system similar to ours, while non-human primates have several features that are similar to a human's such as the number and size of their teeth.(5) Although each of these animals benefits the Science world due to their similarities to us, they are not used nearly as often as mice and rats. The public dislikes the idea of testing on an animal that could be their pet, even if it could someday save their life. .
The information gained from the primate is immeasurably important to the medical world. One important example of these benefits have come in the form of knowledge to fight the AIDS virus. Scientists are learning how the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) works by studying its non-human primate counter part, the Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV) in monkeys. The SIV model is useful in testing drugs for AIDS. In addition, the HIV virus survives in certain kinds of monkeys and it can be removed from them. These monkeys are also being used to find ways to reduce organ failure, obesity and Taurine deficiency (which causes vision problems). Despite all of the wonderful accomplishments, monkeys only make up about 1/3 of 1 percent of the animals used in testing.(11) .
With the wide range of animals that are available, the tests that are used on them range even greater. The tests are broken down into many different categories, which allows scientists to zero in on certain areas of testing and to specify results. The largest and most useful area of testing is called toxicity testing. In toxicity tests, animals are generally exposed to chemicals in ways that are meant to mimic human exposure, by ingestion, inhalation, skin contact and contact with the eyes. The type of animals used in this field include rodents, dogs, cats, fish, birds (chickens, hens, pigeons) rabbits, frogs, pigs, sheep, and primates. Toxicity testing is aimed at providing information, which can be used to attempt to protect society and the environment against the harmful effects of chemicals.