Researchers breed pigs resistant to swine fever

Researchers have successfully bred pigs genetically modified to be resistant to classical swine fever. This breakthrough could significantly impact animal husbandry. A minor alteration to a protein, DNAJC14, prevents the swine fever virus from replicating within the pigs' cells. This genetic modification, achieved using CRISPR/Cas9 technology, renders the animals immune, a development that could save billions in costs and improve animal welfare. This research, published in Trends in Biotechnology, shows potential for application in other livestock like cattle and sheep, as they also utilize similar proteins in their cellular processes. Future studies will confirm the long-term stability of this inherited resistance.