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Roslin Institute responds to gene editing consultation
The consultation is focused on preventing some gene-edited organisms from being regulated in the same way as genetic modification.

Organisation outlines why gene editing should not fall under genetic modification regulations.

The University of Edinburgh’s Roslin Institute has published its response to a government consultation on the regulation of gene editing.

Launched in January, the 10-week consultation focused on preventing certain gene-editing organisms from being regulated in the same way as genetic modification, provided they could have been produced naturally or through traditional breeding.

In its response, the Roslin Institute shared its experience of research using gene editing and its potential to advance livestock and aquaculture production and sustainability. It stated that gene-editing offers new opportunities to improve traits of relevance to sustainable farmed animal production, including improving animal health and welfare and reducing environmental impact.

The organisation also outlined its reasons for proposing that gene-editing applications in animal breeding should not fall under genetically modified organism (GMO) regulations. It recommended that any new regulations are proportionate, assess the outcomes of the genetic change in terms of animal welfare and any potential environmental impacts, but are not driven by the use of gene-editing technology itself.

“Gene-editing technology offers the potential to efficiently enable beneficial changes in DNA,” commented Professor Bruce Whitelaw, chair of animal biotechnology at the Roslin Institute. “Within animal agriculture, genetic engineering technologies hold great potential in mitigating disease, improving the welfare and productivity of animals, and addressing a demand for animal products driven by population growth and climate change.”

Under a 2018 legal ruling from the European Court of Justice, gene editing is regulated in the same way as genetic modification. On announcing the consultation, environment secretary George Eustice said that gene editing could help farmers with crops resistant to pests, disease or extreme weather, and produce healthier, more nutritious food. 

The National Farmers Union welcomed the consultation, saying “it could be a very important tool to help us meet the challenges for the future.” But the move sparked concern from the RSPCA, which said it would be a “huge mistake” for government to “water down” the legislation.

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Free CPD announced for BVNA members

News Story 1
 Zoetis is to present a CPD event for free to members of the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA).

Led by veterinary consultant Ruth Moxon, the one-hour online session is designed to help veterinary nurses discuss parasiticide options with clients. It will advise on structuring recommendations, factors for product choice and moving away from 'selling'.

'How do you recommend parasite treatments to your clients?' will be presented on Tuesday, 20 May at 7.30pm. It is free for BVNA members, with £15.00 tickets for non-members.

Veterinary nurses can email cpd@bvna.co.uk to book their place. 

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DAERA to reduce BVD 'grace period'

DAERA has reminded herd keepers of an upcoming reduction to the 'grace period' to avoid BVD herd restrictions.

From 1 May 2025, herd keepers will have seven days to cull any BVD positive or inconclusive animals to avoid restrictions being applied to their herd.

It follows legislation introduced on 1 February, as DAERA introduces herd movement restrictions through a phased approach. Herd keepers originally had 28 days to cull BVD positive or inconclusive animals.

DAERA says that, providing herd keepers use the seven-day grace period, no herds should be restricted within the first year of these measures.

Additional measures, which will target herds with animals over 30 days old that haven't been tested for BVD, will be introduced from 1 June 2025.

More information is available on the DAERA website.