Transgenic chicks hatch flu control

Researchers at the Universities of Cambridge and Edinburgh have successfully produced genetically modified chickens that do not transmit avian influenza virus to other normal (non-transgenic) chickens with which they are in contact. This potential to stop bird flu outbreaks spreading within poultry flocks could also reduce the risk of bird flu epidemics leading to new flu virus epidemics in the human population The study* is, funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).

Dr Laurence Tiley, Senior Lecturer in Molecular Virology from the University of Cambridge, Department of Veterinary Medicine, said: "Chickens are potential bridging hosts that can enable new strains of flu to be transmitted to humans. Preventing virus transmission in chickens should reduce the economic impact of the disease and reduce the risk posed to people exposed to the infected birds. The genetic modification we describe is a significant first step along the path to developing chickens that are completely resistant to avian flu. These particular birds are only intended for research purposes, not for consumption."

Dr Jon Lyall, lead author of the study from Cambridge’s Department of Veterinary Medicine, said: "Avian influenza has had a devastating effect on poultry farmers in many parts of Asia and the middle east. Experience has shown that the virus regularly jumps species from wild birds into chickens, and represents an ongoing problem despite the best efforts to prevent and contain these outbreaks. Replacing vulnerable chickens in such areas with birds that do not pass on the virus would have positive consequences for animal welfare, farmers’ livelihoods and consumer safety."

Professor Helen Sang, from The Roslin Institute at the University of Edinburgh, said: "The results achieved in this study are very encouraging. Using genetic modification to introduce genetic changes that cannot be achieved by animal breeding demonstrates the potential of GM to improve animal welfare in the poultry industry. This work could also form the basis for improving economic and food security in many regions of the world where bird flu is a significant problem." *Science Jan 14