2023-10-14 14:22:05
British Scientists Use Genome Editing to Make Chickens Resistant to Avian Influenza
In a groundbreaking study, British scientists have successfully used genome editing to modify the genetic information of chickens, specifically targeting the host protein ANP32A. This protein is crucial for the avian influenza virus to replicate and multiply in chickens. By replacing two amino acids in ANP32A, the researchers found that the genetically modified chickens exhibited resistance to the virus.
The study showed that when the viral load was low, nine out of ten genetically modified chickens did not become infected. However, as the viral load increased, the level of resistance decreased. This discovery offers a promising approach to combat avian influenza, but further research and development are needed.
According to Professor Timm Harder, laboratory manager at the Friedrich Loeffler Institute, this innovative technique deserves further exploration. Professor Harder was involved in the study and emphasized the significance of this breakthrough.
Currently, avian influenza poses a severe threat to chickens, and infected animals are often culled to prevent further spread and minimize their suffering. Dr. Franz Kronthaler from the Bavarian State Office for Health and Food Safety explained that avian influenza is a highly dangerous disease for poultry, with a high mortality rate.
For instance, in May, an outbreak of bird flu in the Regensburg district led to the culling of 60,000 chickens. To prevent such outbreaks, chicken farmers prioritize operational hygiene and ensuring minimal contact between wild birds and poultry. Farmers take measures such as wearing designated work clothes and shoes in the chicken coop to prevent the introduction of viruses from outside.
In cases where infected wild birds are discovered, poultry may be required to be confined to stables for a certain period. This “lockdown” necessitates that chicken owners provide activities and stimulation to prevent aggressive behavior among the animals.
While achieving complete resistance to avian influenza in chickens would be ideal, the study indicates that modifying all three genes of the ANP32 gene family could have fatal consequences for the chickens. Additionally, the virus’s ability to mutate raises challenges in maintaining resistance over time. The acceptance and consumer demand for genetically modified chickens also remain uncertain.
As a result, chicken farmers are pinning their hopes on the development of a vaccination against avian influenza that can be administered to the animals through water. Dr. Franz Kronthaler highlighted that no avian influenza vaccine has been approved in the EU yet, but numerous companies are actively researching this area.
While avian influenza can be transmitted to humans, there have been no reported cases of transmission from poultry to humans in Germany, according to the Robert Koch Institute.
In conclusion, the groundbreaking study on genome editing in chickens offers hope in the fight against avian influenza. While challenges remain, the potential of genetically modified chickens to develop resistance to the virus could revolutionize poultry farming and protect the industry from costly outbreaks.]
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