Swine-origin flu remains a deadly threat. Here is a gene-edited way to protect pigs – and us

In a breakthrough for animal health and biosecurity, scientists at the Roslin Institute have successfully developed pigs resistant to classical swine fever (CSF) using cutting-edge gene-editing technology.

The highly contagious virus, which was last detected in the UK in 2000, continues to cause devastating outbreaks across Europe, Asia and Latin America, costing the global pig industry millions of pounds each year.

Researchers at the world-renowned Edinburgh institute modified a protein that the virus relies on to replicate inside pig cells. In controlled trials, the gene-edited pigs remained completely healthy when exposed to CSF, while unedited pigs developed the disease

“Our research highlights the growing potential of gene editing in livestock to improve animal health and support sustainable agriculture,” said [Dr Simon Lillico, core scientist at the Roslin Institute].

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However, gene-edited animals remain subject to strict regulation and public scrutiny in the UK and Europe, meaning any commercial rollout would still require extensive review and approval.

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