They caution that it will be at least five years before any
of these pigs are available to commercial producers.
PRRS virus has been devastating for the hog industry, causing abortion storms in sow herds.
Global animal genetics firm Genus worked with the University
of Missouri to develop the pigs. Genus owns PIC and ABS Genetics.
The researchers used gene editing to breed pigs that do not
produce a specific protein necessary for the virus to spread in the animals.
The early stage studies conducted by the University
demonstrate these PRRSv resistant pigs, when exposed to the virus, do not get
sick and continue to gain weight normally.
The university research results have been published in the
peer-reviewed scientific journal, Nature
Biotechnology.
