Science and technology reporter Liu Xia.
According to the British "New Scientist" ** February 24 **, the international breeding company Genus has used CRISPR technology to edit the gene of pigs so that they can avoid porcine reproductive and respiratory disorders syndrome (PRRS). Related**Published in the latest issue of the journal CRISPR. The company says it has now produced hundreds of CRISPR genetically edited pigs, which are on track to receive regulatory approval from U.S. regulators in 2025 as the first genetically modified farm animals for large-scale meat production.
Gene-edited pigs are immune to porcine reproductive and respiratory disorder syndrome.
Genus, Inc.
PRRS is an acute highly pathogenic infectious disease of pigs, caused by the PRRS virus. PRRS can damage the immune system of pigs, leading to severe reproductive disorders in sows; Symptoms of pneumonia, stunted growth and increased mortality are common in weaned pigs. Current vaccines only reduce the severity of symptoms. It is estimated that PRRS costs up to $2.7 billion annually globally.
PRRS viruses infect cells by binding to a small fraction of the CD163 protein. Research carried out by scientists at the Rosslyn Institute in the United Kingdom has shown that using CRISPR gene editing technology, knocking out the part of DNA that codes for a protein can prevent infection while allowing the protein in pigs to continue to function in other ways.
With the help of CRISPR technology, the international breeding company Genus has produced pigs that are immune to PRRS, and no other *** has been found in these pigs
The company's Clint Nesbitt noted that the genetically modified pigs will be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in early 2025 or sooner. Genus is also seeking clearance from regulators in Canada and other countries, which will be followed by full commercialization.
The UK's National Swine Association has called for an accelerated plan to allow the production and sale of gene-edited plants and animals in England. The association reports that the introduction of PRRS-resistant pigs will help to avoid animal suffering.
But not all animal welfare organizations support this view. Catherine Jadhav of the World Farm Animal Welfare Association points out that animals are crowded together, providing an ideal environment for the spread and evolution of pathogens. If PRRS-resistant pigs continue the current pattern of high-density pig farming, other diseases may be introduced.