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The FDA recently approved a genetic editing technology used to make porcly resistant to reproductive and respiratory pig (PRR), a very contagious disease for which there is no effective treatment. The technology, developed by the PIG Improvement Company (PIC), is among the first to receive the approval of the FDA for the genetic publishing of commercial cattle in the United States and will be used to raise PRRS resistant pigs.
FDA approval, granted on April 30, 2025, judges that technology is safe and efficient. Gene Edit could provide a new tool for farmers and pork producers managing the PRRs. “We have spent years carrying out in -depth research, validating our results and working with the FDA to obtain approval,” said Matt Culbertson, chief of the Pic’s operation, in a press release.1 “Today marks an important step for consumers, farmers and the whole pork industry who desperately hoped for a solution to the PRR.”
In reproductive animals, PRRs can cause reproductive or failure disorders, in addition to causing respiratory disease in all -aged pigs, causing premature death.1,2 The disease also eliminates the immune system of pigs, which makes these animals more subject to secondary infections which may require antibiotics.3
The PRRS is the most impactful disease on the economic level of the production of American pigs, because the fever of the conventional portions has been eradicated.2 According to American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the disease caused a loss of around $ 1.2 billion a year in the production of the 2016 to 2020 American pork industry, which represents an increase of 80% compared to the previous decade.3 However, the PRRs affect pigs on a global scale, in particular in the main countries of pig farming.2
Beyond its financial assessment, the PRRs affect animal welfare, increase the need for antibiotics and increase the environmental imprint of the increase in pigs. “The fight against the PRRs can allow us to improve animal welfare and reduce the environmental impact of the elevation of pigs,” said Banks Baker, world director of durability of products, in a new version.1 “Recent research indicates that PRRs increase the need for antibiotics by more than 200%. More, a recent assessment of the life cycle that conforms to ISO revealed that the elimination of PRRs could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 5% in the United States. ”
According to the peak, Colombia and Brazil have “already issued positive determinations” for technology behind the PRRS resistant pigs and will regulate them as they would do other pigs.1 “We are committed to the responsible and intentional introduction to PRRS resistant pork around the world,” said Culbertson.1 “Winning FDA approval for technology is an important step in this process, and we work with additional countries to obtain regulatory approval and protect world trade before launching sales and deliveries.”
References
- PIC receives FDA approval for technology used to raise PRRS resistant pigs. Press release. PIG Improvement Company. April 30, 2025. Accessed May 16, 2025. https://www.pic.com/pic-receives-fda-approval-for-technology-used-to-beed-prrs-resistant-pigs/
- Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS). Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Accessed May 16, 2025. https://vetmed.iastate.edu/vdpam/about/focus-areas/swine/swine-distease-marial/index-diseses/porcine-reproductive #: ~: text = prrs%20is%20an%20An%20acronyme%20 (pig, in%20pigs%20.
- The FDA approves genetic editing technology creating PRRS resistant pigs. American Veterinary Medical Association. May 6, 2025. Accessed May 16, 2025. https://www.avma.org/news/fda-approves-gene-edit-tech-creating-prrs-ressistant-pigs