Scientists have successfully created pigs that are resistant to classical swine fever, a highly contagious and often fatal disease that has devastated pig farming worldwide. The breakthrough comes after years of research at Edinburgh's Roslin Institute, which used gene editing technology to target a specific gene responsible for producing a protein that the virus uses to replicate.
The scientists were able to create pigs with this precise edit, which blocked the replication of pestiviruses - the virus family that includes CSF. When exposed to the disease, four control animals showed symptoms and high levels of the virus in their blood, while the gene-edited pigs remained completely healthy and unaffected.
This achievement is significant not only for pig farming but also for livestock globally, as classical swine fever has caused outbreaks and losses in countries such as China, Russia, and Brazil. The UK's periodic outbreaks since 1966 have led to the culling of over 75,000 pigs.
While the study focused on CSF, the same gene is involved in the replication of pestiviruses that infect cattle and sheep, highlighting potential benefits for these species as well. Researchers are now exploring whether the same edit can confer resistance against these diseases.
Gene editing technology has gained momentum in agriculture, with countries such as the US, Japan, and Brazil approving gene-edited livestock. The UK's Precision Breeding Act is paving the way for similar approvals.
However, the ethics of using gene editing to create disease-resistant animals remain a subject of debate, with some arguing that it raises moral questions about manipulating life forms.
Overall, this breakthrough paves the way for healthier pigs and potentially more resilient livestock populations, marking a major step forward in using genomics-enabled innovation to build resilience against disease.
The scientists were able to create pigs with this precise edit, which blocked the replication of pestiviruses - the virus family that includes CSF. When exposed to the disease, four control animals showed symptoms and high levels of the virus in their blood, while the gene-edited pigs remained completely healthy and unaffected.
This achievement is significant not only for pig farming but also for livestock globally, as classical swine fever has caused outbreaks and losses in countries such as China, Russia, and Brazil. The UK's periodic outbreaks since 1966 have led to the culling of over 75,000 pigs.
While the study focused on CSF, the same gene is involved in the replication of pestiviruses that infect cattle and sheep, highlighting potential benefits for these species as well. Researchers are now exploring whether the same edit can confer resistance against these diseases.
Gene editing technology has gained momentum in agriculture, with countries such as the US, Japan, and Brazil approving gene-edited livestock. The UK's Precision Breeding Act is paving the way for similar approvals.
However, the ethics of using gene editing to create disease-resistant animals remain a subject of debate, with some arguing that it raises moral questions about manipulating life forms.
Overall, this breakthrough paves the way for healthier pigs and potentially more resilient livestock populations, marking a major step forward in using genomics-enabled innovation to build resilience against disease.
! The fact that they used gene editing tech to target the specific gene responsible for classical swine fever is pure genius 
. It's a game-changer for pig farming and livestock globally, especially considering how devastating CSF can be. I mean, 75k+ pigs culled in the UK alone since 1966? That's just heartbreaking 
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. And with countries like the US, Japan, and Brazil already giving gene-edited livestock a green light, it's only a matter of time before we see more approvals 
. Of course, there are some ethics concerns to debate, but I think the potential benefits far outweigh them 
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. Can't wait to see where this tech takes us next 
!
. It's wild to think that scientists have been working on this for years and finally cracked the code 
. The potential benefits for livestock globally are huge, especially considering all the losses caused by classical swine fever. And now, they're looking into applying this tech to other animals too? Mind blown! 
I mean, think about all the pig farmers out there who've been dealing with devastating outbreaks and losses for years. This breakthrough is literally a game-changer for the livestock industry.
, but I think it's worth exploring these benefits further. We're living in a time where science is advancing so fast, it's crazy! And who doesn't want to help out the environment and keep our food supply safe? 
. I mean, what's to stop us from creating pigs that are super resistant to every disease out there? That's a whole new set of problems waiting to happen 
. And don't even get me started on the ethics of it all... do we really have the right to decide which genes our animals should carry? 
It's like, what's next? Gene-edited humans? 
This is huge news, especially for pig farmers and the livestock industry. The fact that they used gene editing tech to target a specific gene that makes the virus replicate is mind-blowing. 
The potential benefits go beyond just pigs too - if this works for them, it could also help cows and sheep! 
! It's amazing what scientists can do with gene editing tech 
. I mean, who would've thought we'd be seeing pigs that are resistant to classical swine fever? 
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. Researchers are already exploring whether the same gene edit can confer resistance against diseases that affect cattle and sheep 
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, but I think they're valid. We need to have a nuanced discussion about this stuff 
. For now, let's just say that this breakthrough is a major win for science and animal lovers alike 
This is insane! They've finally cracked the code on classical swine fever, one of the most devastating diseases affecting pig farming worldwide. I'm not surprised it took so long, but now we're talking about potentially saving millions of animals from certain death. The fact that this tech can be applied to other livestock like cattle and sheep is mind-blowing! 
but at the same time, you gotta wonder about the ethics of messing with nature's code 
some people might get all freaked out about playing god 
but seriously, this is huge for farmers and the environment too...think of all the money saved from culling pigs every year 
Just kidding (or am I?). Seriously though, it's cool that this tech can potentially help reduce disease outbreaks and improve livestock health worldwide 
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i cant even imagine how much of a lifesaver this gene edit tech will be for all those pig farmers out there struggling with CSF it's like, finally some hope for their livestock 
️ "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." 
This breakthrough is a testament to human ingenuity & determination! 
Scientists have successfully created pigs resistant to classical swine fever, which could lead to healthier pig farming worldwide. The potential benefits for livestock globally are immense! 
That would be a game-changer for global food security! But yeah, there are still some ethics concerns around this stuff... do we have the right to mess with nature like that? 