GM Chickens Could Wipe Out Bird Flu

Australian scientists are paving way for disease-proof animals that could eliminate bird flu and other diseases.

According to the Geelong Advertiser, the CSIRO Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL) project is producing genetically modified chickens using cutting-edge science from the plant world, the Herald Sun reported.

Avian Influenza / Bird Flu-Causes-Symptoms-Treatment- FAQs
Bird flu (avian influenza/avian flu) is a disease caused by an influenza virus (H5N1) that primarily affects birds but can infect humans also.

It is hoped the CSIRO super-chickens will breed disease-resistant offspring, creating a line of poultry which is immune to the deadly flu.

Former CSIRO AAHL director, Martyn Jeggo, who has recently retired and taken up a part-time post as chief of the Geelong Centre for Emerging Infectious Diseases, said that the global implications of the project could not be overstated.

"Right now, is the first time we have ever produced a resistant animal to a major disease like this," Dr Jeggo said.

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"If we can do it for one, why the hell can't we do it for every other disease? This is a proof-of-concept project which is massive, massive, massive," he said.

Source-ANI

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