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SCIENTISTS ANNOUNCE BREAK THROUGH IN MAKING HOGS RESISTANT TO AFRICAN SWINE FEVER
Aug. 24, 2023
National Hog Farmer magazine reports:
Scientists have discovered a gene in the DNA of pigs that is needed by a deadly virus to cause infection.
Their discovery could inform the development of pigs resistant to African swine fever, a swift acting, severe condition that causes widespread illness and death, incurring high losses for the pork industry.
ASF has killed more than 200 million pigs worldwide, is a major issue across Asia, and has the potential to cause major outbreaks in Europe and America.
A team of researchers found that the gene, which is involved in the pig immune system, is essential for replication of the ASF virus.
Their finding raises the possibility of amending the gene, using gene editing, to develop pigs that are resistant to the disease. It offers scope for managing the infection, for which no vaccine or treatment is currently available.
Immunity proteins
A team led by the Friedrich-Loeffler Institute with the Roslin Institute sought to pinpoint which pig genes were needed for the virus to replicate.
To read the entire report click here.
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