In a groundbreaking development for the swine industry, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a gene-editing technology that creates pigs resistant to one of the most devastating diseases affecting pork production worldwide.
FDA Approves Breakthrough Gene-Editing Technology for PRRS-Resistant Pigs
On April 30, the FDA granted approval for a gene-editing technology that produces pigs resistant to Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS), a highly contagious viral disease that has plagued the swine industry for decades. This landmark decision represents one of the first approvals for gene-edited livestock in the United States after years of extensive research by Pig Improvement Company (PIC), a subsidiary of animal genetics company Genus.
PRRS causes fever, respiratory issues, and reproductive failure in pigs while suppressing their immune systems, making them more vulnerable to secondary infections that often require antibiotic treatment. According to a recent analysis by Iowa State University, PRRS was responsible for an estimated $1.2 billion in annual losses to the U.S. pork industry from 2016-2020, representing an 80% increase from the previous decade.
“PRRS continues to be a significant production-limiting and costly disease of swine that compromises both the health and welfare of pigs. It is the position of the American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV) that elimination of the PRRS virus from the North American swine industry is the long-term goal,” stated Dr. Abbey Canon, AASV’s director of public health and communications, to AVMA News.
Potential Impact on Pig Health and Production
The gene-editing breakthrough enables PIC to breed pigs with genetic resistance to PRRS, offering a proactive biological defense rather than relying solely on antibiotics or herd management practices. Matt Culbertson, PIC’s chief operating officer, expressed enthusiasm about the approval in a company statement: “We have spent years conducting extensive research, validating our findings and working with the FDA to gain approval. Today marks a major milestone for consumers, farmers and the entire pork industry who have desperately hoped for a solution to PRRS.”
While this approval represents significant progress, industry experts urge cautious optimism. Dr. Scott Dee, a retired leading researcher in swine diseases, told AVMA News: “It will hopefully improve the control of PRRS. But as it has not been tested under conditions representative of large-scale pork production, producers and veterinarians will still need to apply all the control measures that have been proven to be effective against this virus. There is no silver bullet when it comes to PRRS.”
Beyond Disease Control: Environmental and Welfare Benefits
The technology may offer additional benefits beyond disease control. According to Banks Baker, PIC’s global director of product sustainability, “Addressing PRRS can allow us to improve animal welfare and reduce the environmental impact of raising pigs. Recent research indicates that PRRS increases the need for antibiotics by more than 200%. Plus, a recent ISO-conformant lifecycle assessment found that eliminating PRRS could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 5% in the U.S.”
The AASV has expressed support for such innovations, with Dr. Canon noting, “AASV supports the responsible use of gene editing technologies to improve the health and well-being of swine under strict safety and ethical standards. This includes support for ongoing research, development, and implementation efforts to benefit swine health, human health, food safety, and the sustainability of the planet.”
Despite the regulatory approval, commercialization of PRRS-resistant pigs in the U.S. is not immediate, though this decision opens the door to future implementation that could dramatically reshape pig production and improve animal welfare across the industry.
Source: https://www.avma.org/news/fda-approves-gene-editing-tech-creating-prrs-resistant-pigs