Genetically modified animals

Despite its potential to battle disease and hunger, genetically engineered food is still
controversial
Ian Tucker

Sun 24 Jun 2018 07.00 BST

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Gene-edited pigs, above, have been made resistant to the PRRS virus - a deadly pig disease.
Photograph: Murdo Macleod/The Guardian

Pigs
Last week, scientists from the University of Edinburgh’s Roslin Institute announced
they had deleted the section of DNA that leaves pigs vulnerableto porcine
reproductive and respiratory syndrome, which is estimated to cost European farmers
£1.5bn a year in loss of livestock and decreased productivity. Genetically modified
animals are banned from the EU food chain, but since this is a new and different
technique it’s possible they’ll be appearing in bacon sandwiches in a few years.
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A genetically modified mosquito emerges from its pupa. Photograph: Oxitec

Mosquitoes
British company Oxitec has created genetically modified male mosquitoes that carry
a “self-limiting gene”. When they are released into the wild and mate with females
their offspring do not reach adulthood, so crucially do not contribute to the spread of
the Zika virus. Other researchers are looking at using genetic modification to curb
the spread of malaria.

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Rosita Isa, a cow genetically modified to produce human-like milk. Photograph:
INTA (National Agricultural Technology Institute Argentina)

Cows
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Scientists in both China and Argentina have genetically engineered cows to produce
milk similar in composition to that made by humans. After modifying embryos, an
Argentinian cow – Rosita Isa – was born that expressed milk containing proteins
present in human milk but lacking in cow milk. However, there are a number of
scientific, safety and taste issues that would have to be overcome before this replaces
“mother’s milk” for infants.
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Gene-edited chicks at the Roslin Institute. Photograph: Courtesy of Valerie
White/Norrie Russell/Roslin Institute

Chickens
The Roslin Institute is working on GM chickens that contain an extra gene that
interrupts the transmission of avian flu. Unlike a vaccination, the modification still
protects the bird if the virus mutates. However, some farmers argue it is better to
enforce good farming practices than create disease-free animals.

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One of AquaBounty’s genetically engineered salmon behind a regular salmon of the
same age. Photograph: AquaBounty Technologies

Salmon
Last year, the Canadian authorities allowed a GM salmon designed by US company
AquaBounty to be sold to consumers. It is engineered to reach market size in 18
months, half the time of its natural counterpart. However, the fish is not labelled GM
in shops.A recent survey found 90% of Canadians are in favour of clearer food
labelling.

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