Scientists from Germany and Scotland have pinpointed a gene in the DNA of pigs that is needed for infection by African Swine Fever.
The discovery at the Roslin Institute raises the possibility that gene editing could equip pigs to resist infection.
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.
Canada has been working on plans for coping lest there should be an outbreak here. Canada riisks losing 70 per cent of its industry if an outbreak slams the door on pork and pig exports.
A team of researchers found that the gene, which is involved in the pig immune system, is essential for replication of the ASF virus.
There is currently no treatment available for ASF, although Viet Nam is testing a vaccine.
