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Researchers find pig gene needed for ASF virus
ASF is a fast-acting and severe virus which causes widespread illness and death.

The gene may lead to development of pigs resistant to infection.

Researchers have identified a gene in pigs’ DNA which is needed for African Swine Fever (ASF) to replicate.

The discovery of this gene, which is involved in the pig immune system, could lead to the development of pigs that are resistant to ASF.

ASF is a fast-acting and severe virus which causes widespread illness and death, and has caused high losses for the pork industry.

The infection has already killed more than 200 million pigs worldwide, and is currently a major issue across Asia. It has the potential to cause outbreaks in Europe and America.

There is currently no vaccine or treatment available.

The finding raises the potential of amending the gene, using gene editing, to develop ASF-resistant pigs.

The research was led by the Friedrich-Loeffler Institute in Germany alongside the Roslin Institute, which is part of the University of Edinburgh’s Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies.

The researchers examined a collection of pig cells, with each cell edited to lack a specific gene, to investigate how they responded to the ASF virus.

This analysis identified a suite of genes, known as the MHC-II complex, which produce proteins that are associated with the immune response to infections that were key to the virus.

This led them to a single protein in the MHC-II complex known as SLA-DM, which was essential to the replication of the virus in the cells.

The group hopes that editing this gene may allow for the development of pigs which are resistant to ASF, to mitigate the impact of the virus.

They believe that further research should aim to understand the biological processes in which SLA-DM proteins and virus particles interact.

Dr Finn Grey, of the Roslin Institute, said: “Our study identifies target genes for editing to develop pigs resistant to African Swine Fever.

“Although more work is required, this finding represents an important first step towards the generation of ASF-resistant pigs.”

The full study can be found in the Scientific Reports journal.

Image © Shutterstock

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CMA opens consultation on survey letter

News Story 1
 The CMA has invited comments on a draft survey invitation letter, as it continues its investigation into consumer experience.

Stakeholders have until midday on 22 October to share their thoughts on its contents.

The quantitative survey, conducted by Accent, recently underwent a separate consultation. It will be sent to a random sample of participants, with the letter inviting them to complete the survey.

The letter can be found here. Stakeholders should email vetsMI@cma.gov.uk to make comment. 

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Restricted zone extended after more bluetongue cases

After three new cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 were detected along the Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire border, the restricted zone has been extended.

The zone now includes Buckinghamshire and part of Berkshire, as well as Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, City of Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, East Sussex, Essex, Greater London, part of Hampshire, Hertfordshire, Kent, part of Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, part of Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Suffolk, Surrey, and West Sussex.

Susceptible animals in the restricted zone should only be moved if it is essential. A specific licence is needed to move a susceptible animal from within the restricted zone to outside of the zone.

Bluetongue is a notifiable disease. Suspected cases must be reported on 03000 200 301 in England or 03003 038 268 in Wales. In Scotland, suspected cases should be reported to the local field services office. In Northern Ireland, suspected cases should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.

A map of the areas where restrictions apply can be found here.