The spread of avian flu in hens has been successfully controlled by British scientists using gene editing techniques. The study, which appeared in the journal Nature Communications, may help develop new strategies for preventing the virus in poultry.
Avian influenza, sometimes referred to as bird flu, is a virus that may infect birds of all ages and species and is extremely contagious. Although it is uncommon, the virus can potentially be transferred to people.
There have been several avian flu outbreaks in poultry flocks worldwide in recent years. These epidemics have resulted in enormous financial losses and the slaughter of millions of birds.
According to recent research by British scientists, it is conceivable to employ gene editing to increase the avian flu resistance of hens. The chicken genome underwent minor modifications thanks to the researchers’ use of the CRISPR-Cas9 method. The ability of the avian flu virus to reproduce in the chicken cells was hampered by these modifications.
Researchers used a highly contagious type of avian flu to test the gene-edited chicks. They discovered that compared to non-gene-edited chickens, the gene-edited birds were far less likely to contract the virus.
Even though the research is still in its early phases, it could result in brand-new strategies for bird flu protection for poultry. The researchers are currently striving to create hens with entirely virus-immune genes.
Consequences of the Research
The study conducted by British researchers represents a significant advance in the fight against avian flu. Gene editing has the ability to completely change how we safeguard chickens from illness.
If fully immune bird flu-resistant gene-edited hens can be created, flocks of poultry may be better protected from outbreaks of the virus. As a result, fewer birds might need to be killed, and the virus might not spread to people as much.
The study has ramifications for many poultry diseases as well. To create hens resistant to additional illnesses like Newcastle disease and Marek’s disease, gene editing may be applied.
The study conducted by British researchers represents an encouraging advancement in the fight against avian flu. Gene editing has the ability to completely change how we safeguard chickens from illness.
Although the research is still in its early phases, it could result in novel strategies for safeguarding poultry against viruses like avian flu.
