Results Of Genetic Engineering, Super Disease-Free Pork Ready To Be Marketed In 5 Years

Pork is one of the most popular sources of protein in Europe. (photo credit: Casey DeViese/unsplash)

JAKARTA - Meat from the 'super pig' could be sold in UK supermarkets within the next five years. This came after scientists signed an agreement to breed disease-resistant animals.

The University of Edinburgh's Roslin Institute and genetics company Genus will produce pigs that are resistant to the respiratory disease affecting livestock worldwide.

Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) a disease that gives up animals and is known as one of the most expensive animal diseases in the world.

This disease causes respiratory problems and death in young animals. It can even cause pregnant sows to lose their fetus. While most vaccines fail to stop its spread.

The University of Edinburgh's Roslin Institute has now produced pigs that can fight the disease by editing their genetic code. The institute hopes to secure a new licensing agreement that will allow pork to be available in the global pork-producing market.

It is not yet possible to determine exactly when the pigs will be available as it is still subject to regulatory approval. However, a team from the University of Edinburgh's Roslin Institute hopes it can be fulfilled within the next five years.

The deal comes 25 years after the Roslin Institute made history by cloning Dolly the sheep, opening the door to the gene-editing industry.

Genetically modified animals have been banned from the European food chain. However, it is unclear what regulations will apply to gene-edited animals, as the approaches are different.

The GM technique has been controversial because it can involve the introduction of other species' genes into animals.

In contrast, gene editing speeds up processes that can occur naturally through breeding over several generations, without introducing genes from other species.

"This is not a theory about something in the future, a proof of concept is done, so in this case, five years is a realistic estimate, but it may be shorter," said Professor Bruce Whitelaw, Interim Director of the Roslin Institute.

Before the meat is available on the butcher's shelves in just five years, the quality and safety of these products will have to be tested over generations of gene-edited pigs. This needs to be done so as not to endanger all parties.