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The article from Popular Mechanics, published on February 28, 2024, discusses the development of a genetically-modified pig by the U.K.-based company Genus, designed to be resistant to the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS), a virus causing significant losses to the pork industry, estimated at $2.7 billion annually. This virus not only affects the industry financially but also impacts animal well-being. Genus’ innovation, which awaits approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), could become the first genetically-modified animal to be widely available for human consumption.

The creation of this “superpig” was made possible by leveraging research from the University of Missouri in 2015, which found that disabling a receptor (CD163) used by the virus to infect pigs could stop the virus effectively. This discovery led to the breeding of pigs that lack this receptor, making them immune to PRRS, thus improving their health and potentially easing the financial and emotional burden on farmers.

The article also touches on the broader context of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), noting that while the debate has traditionally focused on fruits and vegetables, it is now extending to meat. The FDA’s consideration of this pig as an “investigational new drug” due to the DNA changes made by CRISPR technology highlights the regulatory challenges and the need for thorough evaluations to ensure safety, inheritability, and stability over generations.

Additionally, the article mentions the environmental impact of pig farming, contributing significantly to greenhouse emissions, largely through the management of manure. While gene-editing presents a solution to disease challenges in pig populations, the article suggests that reducing pork consumption remains a more effective strategy for environmental sustainability.

Overall, the development of a PRRS-resistant pig represents a significant scientific advancement with potential benefits for animal welfare, the pork industry, and farmers, though it also raises questions about GMOs, regulatory approval processes, and environmental sustainability.

Reference: https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/animals/a46938809/crispr-pigs/