Scientists create GM cattle ‘which resist TB’

Bovine TB is a serious problem for farmers, and tackling it in the UK has proved highly controversial as the Government’s strategy involves culling badgers to stop the disease spreading from wild animals to livestock.

Experts say the research in China indicates the genetic engineering could be successful in tackling animal disease.

Chinese researchers have developed a technique to insert a mouse gene known as SP110, which they said has shown promise in controlling the bacterium that causes TB, into the genome of Holstein-Friesian cattle.

The scientists said laboratory tests showed the bacterium which causes bovine TB multiplied at a lower rate among the modified cattle than non-engineered animals.

Three genetically-altered cattle and three control animals were also infected with the bacterium, and when they were killed, analysis of organs showed the gene significantly reduced the disease.

The research also showed the altered cattle could resist the low dose of the bacterium transmitted from cattle with tuberculosis in natural circumstances, and that offspring of the cattle could inherit the gene and be protected by it, the scientists said.

Prof Bruce Whitelaw, of the Roslin Institute in Edinburgh, said the world faced unprecedented population growth and food security was an international imperative. “Society needs to embrace many strategies to address this global challenge - both traditional and new - with many seeing genetic engineering as contributing to the much needed solutions,” he said.