Abstract
Argentina is a country with great potential in a wide range of fields; however, this has been overshadowed by decades of shortcomings. Laboratory animal science (LAS) is no exception to this pattern, with a combination of strengths and weaknesses giving shape to the current situation.
From my perspective, the major strength of our country and region is the people: we rely on a powerful group of pioneers in the field who have trained generations of professionals in LAS. At a time when much is said about the “glass ceiling,” we are proud of having a trio of female pioneers (Berta Kaplun, Adela Rosenkranz, and Cecilia Carbone)—specialists in LAS who have shared their knowledge and experience not only in Argentina, but also in other Latin American countries since the 1980s. Dr. Kaplun, who passed away in 2013, conceived the first undergraduate degree for Laboratory Animal Technologists (LATG) in our region at the University of Buenos Aires. Since this programme was created in 1989, the hundreds of qualified Laboratory Animal Technologists (LATGs) have been a key factor in improving the level of older, more modest, animal “facilities” (some that could more simply be regarded as animal rooms), providing current methodology and tools to researchers for refining their work with laboratory animals. Dr. Rosenkranz headed renowned facilities in Argentina and Brazil, was a consultant for international organizations including the World Health Organization and the Inter-American Development Bank, and was relentless and focused in disseminating the relevance of the proper care and use of laboratory animals. Finally, Dr. Carbone led the first specific pathogen-free (SPF) rodent facilities in Argentina for more than 30 years, while also making our community aware, through her ongoing educational outreach, of the importance of the health status of experimental animals. These leading women have been promoting the ethical use of animals among both scientists and technicians, but even more forcefully to institutional authorities and policy makers.
Another strength in Argentina revolves around the ethical evaluation of procedures involving animal models. Supported by local specialists in laboratory animals, as well as by scientists that have worked for parts of their academic careers in renowned first-world institutions, several Ethical Committees have been established since 2010. The evolving requirements from scientific journals’ for a statement concerning ethical approval of procedures, in addition to the request of Argentina’s major funding agency to include an ethical overview for any proposed experimentation since 2014, then drove the current situation in which most institutions engaged in animal experimentation now have an Ethical Committee. Again, from my perspective, this is a remarkable achievement, considering that such Institutional Ethics Committees are currently not mandatory in Argentina. In this context, another woman, the Veterinarian and bioethicist Dr. Marcela Rebuelto, has given her time freely and played a pivotal role in bridging the gap between ethical theory and its practical application in day-to-day work with animals.
However, from the perspective outlined above, local weaknesses also become evident. Although a remarkable and motivated group of dedicated professionals have been working for more than 20 years to enact a law regulating the use of experimental animals in Argentina, their efforts have not yet borne fruit, for a variety of reasons. Although some legislators supported the discussion of this topic, others preferred to avoid dealing with what they might perceive as a risky issue, which on top of that, does not attract votes. In addition, some animal protection groups have expressed their disagreement with the enactment of this law, spreading distorted interpretations in the media. To add a further obstacle, some researchers still have a reactionary tradition of hiding what is done in the laboratory, presenting scientific advances obtained through animal models as coming out of a black box. The hope is that, in the near future, young generations of scientists, with a more current connection to public attitudes, will be able to better explain to both society and politicians why animal research is still necessary, but also why it is essential to regulate the use of laboratory animals, promoting a transparent culture of care and speaking the same language as generally in the developed world.
Lastly, a further weakness, and a common regional issue, is linked to the insufficient funding of science. Most developed countries devote more than 2% of their gross domestic product (GDP) to science and technology, whereas Latin American countries invest, on average, less than 0.5% of GDP. Also, in these countries, most of the investment in science comes from the public sector, whereas the private sector barely contributes at all. Clearly, such underinvestment has strong negative consequences on the resources allocated both to animal facilities as well as on availability of equipment. As an example, even today, animal houses with ventilated cages are rare in Argentina, and those that have this equipment face challenges with regular maintenance. Even more seriously, the lack of funding impacts on the possibility of having animals of certified genetic and health quality, with obvious consequences on the quality of scientific results. No less evident is the difficulty that professionals may face in keeping up to date by participating in international scientific meetings or pursuing further training abroad. Fortunately, the international Laboratory Animal Science community and organizations such as the International Council for Laboratory Animal Science, Laboratory Animal Ltd, and the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare, among others, maintain a generous attitude towards our region, facilitating our continuing education.
All in all, our strong professional community keeps pushing to maintain wider international standards despite the continuous economic crisis, the poor investment in science and technology, and the lack of commitment to enact a law regulating the use of laboratory animals. Although Argentina is a key player in contributing to setting the pace of the region, a well-defined programme of improvements will be crucial to have animal models enabling the production of high-quality science. Thanks to the pioneers who have trained generations of specialists in the field, the continuous help of the international LAS community, and the generous engagement of our researchers trained abroad, I remain hopeful that we will be able to solve the challenges outlined above.
Biosketch
Silvina L. Diaz, LATG, DVM, PhD, Master in Politics and Management of Science and Technology (University of Buenos Aires), Master in Laboratory Animal Welfare and Science (FELASA).
Researcher at the National Research Council (CONICET), heading the Laboratory of “Experimental Neurogenesis”. Professor of LAS at University of Buenos Aires.
