Tech News Summary:
- Scientists from the US Department of Agriculture have used CRISPR gene-editing technology to create the first gene-edited calf with resistance to bovine viral diarrhea disease (BVDV).
- The scientists modified the cellular gene CD46 to slightly alter it in a way that would prevent it from binding to the virus but maintain its normal bovine functions.
- Ginger, the first calf edited with the CD46 gene, has shown reduced susceptibility to BVDV without any adverse health effects.
In a groundbreaking development that could revolutionize the way livestock diseases are prevented and treated, a team of scientists has used revolutionary gene editing technology to produce the world’s first bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV)-resistant calf.
BVDV is one of the most common and costly viral diseases affecting cattle worldwide. Despite efforts to control the disease, BVDV continues to cause significant economic losses for the livestock industry every year. The development of a BVDV-resistant calf through gene editing technology has huge implications for livestock health and could be a game-changer for the industry.
The gene editing technology used to create the calf is a sophisticated tool called CRISPR-Cas9, which allows scientists to precisely target and edit specific genes in an organism’s DNA. The researchers used this technology to introduce a single DNA change in a gene called CD163, which is essential for BVDV to infect and replicate in cattle cells.
The BVDV-resistant calf was born recently in China, and the researchers say that it appears to be healthy and normal. The calf has been tested and confirmed to be resistant to the virus, which means that it will not be able to contract or spread the disease, even if it is exposed to it.
This breakthrough has significant implications for the livestock industry. By selectively breeding cattle with the CD163 gene edited, farmers and ranchers could potentially protect their herds from BVDV and other viral diseases in a more sustainable and cost-effective way. The approach could also reduce the need for antibiotics and other treatments, which could have a positive impact on animal welfare and the environment.
While the use of gene editing technology in livestock is still in its early stages, this breakthrough represents an exciting step forward in the fight against viral diseases. It is likely that we will see more applications of gene editing technology in the livestock industry as scientists continue to explore its potential benefits.
In summary, the production of the world’s first BVDV-resistant calf through gene editing technology is a significant breakthrough that could transform livestock health and the way we prevent and treat disease in animals.