University of Cambridge: GM chickens could prevent epidemics
Date posted: 15 Jan 2011
The universities of Cambridge and Edinburgh are looking at how to protect poultry flocks from avian flu.
Published by Tim Hill
New research from the University of Cambridge has genetically-modified (GM) chickens so they do not spread bird flu.
A joint project by the universities of Cambridge and Edinburgh created a GM chicken that will not pass on the avian influenza virus to other birds, which will prevent outbreaks spreading through poultry flocks.
The study, which was funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council and published in the journal Science, pointed out that this will allow domestic poultry to be protected from illness, while safeguarding humans from flu epidemics.
Dr Laurence Tiley, senior lecturer in molecular virology from the University of Cambridge's department of veterinary medicine, commented: "Preventing virus transmission in chickens should reduce the economic impact of the disease and reduce the risk posed to people exposed to the infected birds."
He added that further research could see chickens modified so they are completely resistant to strains of avian flu.
Last year, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs confirmed that a European Union-wide ban on battery cages will come into force from 2012, meaning only eggs from better welfare cages will be available in the UK and across the continent.
Please contact Patrick Farrant, Head of Technology for further information or call 01223 225181
Click here to email or call on 01223 225186.
Partner
Our team work with producer organisations, food processors, land owners and farmers on a whole range of commercial, regulatory, property, land and employment matters.
Learn more...
