Experts Develop Gene-Edited Pigs Resistant to Classical Swine Fever

Researchers from the Animal and Plant Health Agency, University of Lübeck, and University of Edinburgh have successfully developed gene-edited pigs resistant to classical swine fever, a highly infectious and often deadly viral disease that threatens the livestock industry worldwide. The genetic modification provided the animals' protection from infection without affecting their health or development.

The research team edited a gene that produces a pig protein called DNAJC14 to prevent the virus from reproducing inside pig cells. The gene-edited pigs showed no signs of infection over several weeks of observation, while the unedited pigs displayed typical symptoms of 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.

The findings of the study, published in Trends in Biotechnology, open opportunities to develop livestock species resistant to multiple viral diseases. The same genetic approach could also be applied to other animals, such as cattle and sheep, to combat related pestiviruses. As classical swine fever continues to cause major outbreaks across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Europe, the breakthrough could help reduce trade restrictions and financial losses faced by farmers.

For more information, read the article from the University of Edinburgh or the study from Trends in Biotechnology.