Scientists have collaborated to produce the first gene-edited calf with resistance to bovine viral diarrhea virus. Maribel Alonso postulates this proof-of-concept study demonstrates the possibility of reducing the burden of BVDV-associated diseases in cattle by gene editing which may also reduce the need for antimicrobials.
Source: Drovers, May 9, 2023. Link. The study was recently published in PNAS Nexus. It resulted from a collaboration between the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, the University of Kentucky, and industry partners, Acceligen and Recombinetics, Inc.
INSIGHTS: Cattle resistant to BVDV would be akin to the holy grail in cattle production. Let’s hope the process can be easily replicated in the near future.