The Genus
division of PIC (Pig Improvement Company) is developing a genetically-modified
pig that can resist Porcine Respiratory and Reproductive (PRRS) virus.
The
modification eliminates a receptor the virus needs to invade pigs.
PRRS
causes annual losses estimated at about $1 billion (Cdn) per year across North
America.
It is both
deadly and causes abortions.
Dr.
Raymond “Bob” Rowland of Kansas State University and one of the researchers who
helped develop the PRRS-resistant pigs said they are the first in his 20 years
of research that remained free of infection when challenged with the PRRS
virus.
Genus will
need regulatory approval before it can
start marketing any of the genetically-modified pigs, and that could take
years.
The
Enviropig developed at the University of Guelph never did achieve approvals in
the United States and Canada despite years of research that indicated those
pigs were no different, other than they had phytase in their saliva that
increased the absorption of phosphorous from their rations.
That, in
turn, meant there was less phosphorous in their manure, making it
environmentally friendly for waterways, lakes and fish.
Genus is
encouraged because regulators recently approved marketing of
genetically-engineered fish. They grow faster and bigger and require less feed.
