New guidelines in US for animal genetic engineers
Resistance to BSE is one of the targets for scientists, but the genetic engineering (GE) which could achieve it might be a step too far.
GE research is advancing rapidly in the US, prompting the country’s Food and Drug Administration to recently spell out requirements and recommendations for producers of GE animals.
FDA deputy commissioner for policy Randall Lutter revealed that many kinds of genetically engineered animals are in development, but none has yet been approved by the agency for marketing (although you can buy GE pet fish — see picture).
There are 100 million acres of genetically engineered crops, and genetically engineered yeast or microbes are used in baking, brewing, and cheese-making, and in medicine to produce drugs. But acceptance of genetically engineered animals would be more difficult. So-called biofarm animals are being designed to reach market faster or make food healthier. Pigs have been genetically engineered to contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, to produce drugs, or to be used in human transplantations.
Some animals are being engineered to decrease their environmental impact.
New Zealand has a herd of 109 GE cows. Scientists at AgResearch hope these animals could enable cheaper manufacturing of expensive medicines. Their first GE Friesian had an extra casein gene for better cheesemaking, and is still in the herd. No trace of the cattle is permitted outside the boundaries of the GE facility in Hamilton. There are big government-funded GE animal projects in Asia, Argentina and Canada also.
