Gene-Edited Pigs Offer New Hope Against Classical Swine Fever

Classical Swine Fever (CSF) is one of the most contagious and economically damaging diseases affecting pigs worldwide. Often lethal and widespread in many countries, it poses a significant threat to global pork production. A team of scientists at the Roslin Institute has now developed pigs that are resistant to CSF through gene-editing technology, offering a promising new tool to safeguard livestock and support food security.

The researchers focused on a protein that the CSF virus requires to replicate inside pig cells. By modifying this protein through gene editing, the team created pigs that are immune to infection.

In trials, these gene-edited pigs remained healthy when exposed to the virus, while unedited pigs exhibited severe symptoms. Importantly, the genetic modifications did not affect the animals’ overall health or growth, and the risk of transmitting the virus to other animals appears extremely low.

The Roslin Institute emphasizes that this breakthrough could complement existing disease control strategies, including vaccination and biosecurity measures. Integrating gene-edited pigs into broader prevention programs could reduce the impact of CSF outbreaks, lower economic losses, and enhance the resilience of pig farming operations globally.

Gene-editing technology has the potential to transform animal health management. The development of CSF-resistant pigs represents a significant step forward in protecting livestock against highly infectious diseases. For global agri-food stakeholders, this innovation not only promises improved animal welfare but also strengthens the sustainability and reliability of pork production.

At BMD International Trading Corp, we track such breakthroughs to stay at the forefront of innovations that shape the future of livestock health and global food security.