Events
European scientists have found a way to genetically modify chicken that does not transmit the dangerous avian influenza virus. Avian influenza, also known as H5N1, affects both birds and humans and can be fatal.
The first cases of human infection were reported in Hong Kong in 1997. In 2004, there was a global outbreak of the H5N1 virus and since then, avian influenza has been found here and there.
Scientists from the Universities of Cambridge and Edinburgh said that the virus affects genetically modified chickens, however, birds do not transmit it to others. According to Laurence Tiley from the University of Cambridge, chickens are potential carriers of new strains of influenza that are transmitted to humans. Thus, in his opinion, the discovery of scientists will reduce the risk for people and reduce the economic consequences of the disease.
However, Tiley notes that the study is still in its infancy and the birds they produced are not designed for human consumption. “Birds are designed for research, and this is just the first step towards producing chickens that will be completely resistant to the virus,” the scientist notes.
A new gene has been introduced to birds that creates a bait molecule that mimics an element of the avian influenza virus. The virus “deceives” by not recognizing the viral genome, which interferes with the virus's replication cycle. When scientists infected genetically modified chickens with bird flu, the birds became ill but did not infect others, regardless of whether the hens were genetically modified or conventional.
According to scientist Helen Sang from the University of Edinburgh, the results of the study are encouraging. “The use of genetic engineering to improve animal welfare shows how great its potential is. This work can be a starting point for improving economic and food security in many regions where avian influenza is a serious problem,” the scientist notes.