Researchers have developed gene-edited chickens that are partially resistant to bird flu.
Although the birds are not completely immune, the scientists say their work shows it might be possible to block the virus in three years.
The latest results suggest that making further changes to the birds’ DNA could produce fully immune chickens.
Critics say gene editing tackles the symptoms of high-density farming rather than the root cause of animal diseases.
But Prof Mike McGrew, also of the Roslin Institute, told BBC News that experiments in test tubes showed if changes are made to all three genes, then a fully resistant bird might be possible.
“When we did these edits in the cells there was no growth of the virus at all. The changes stopped all replication of the flu.
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”I am extremely confident that editing the three genes will give full immunity.”
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Work is under way across the world to develop gene edited animals that are resistant to disease and are more productive.
[The UK] Parliament passed legislation earlier this year that permits the commercial development and sale of gene edited food.
