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Posted: 18th October 2024

BVA publishes policy position on gene editing
“Whilst recent work has shown its potential benefits, there remain lots of unknowns and more research is needed” – Elizabeth Mullineaux.
Animal health and welfare must come first, position states.

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has called for gene editing to only be used on animals when it has a demonstrable health or welfare benefit for them.

The stance has been set out in the BVA’s new policy position, Gene Editing of Animals, which has been published in response to the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act.

The legislation, passed by Parliament last year, allows for gene editing that does not introduce DNA from another organism to be used on plants and animals in commercial agriculture in England. Any DNA changes must theoretically have been able to occur through selective breeding.

Whilst the BVA’s policy position acknowledges that the technology has potential benefits, including improving resistance to disease, it argues that gene editing should not be used as a way to compensate for reduced welfare standards or poor management.

The position also argues that the regulatory framework around gene editing needs to ensure that it is not used to change the appearance of animal for cosmetic reasons or to improve the competitiveness of an animal used in sport.

Elizabeth Mullineaux, BVA president, said: “Gene editing has the potential to be a powerful tool for improving and protecting animal health and welfare.

“However, it must be used responsibly, never for aesthetic reasons or to boost performance in sport. The welfare of any animals involved must also never be compromised.

“Whilst recent work has shown its potential benefits, there remain lots of unknowns and more research is needed. BVA will work closely with the government to help shape this new legislation to ensure that animal health and welfare remains a top priority.”

A talk on gene editing will be held at this year’s BVA Congress on 15 November at 9.30am in the BVA Congress Theatre. The panellists will be Dominic Wells, professor of translational medicine at the Royal Veterinary College, Penny Hawkins, head of the RSPCA’s Animals in Science Department, and Huw Jones, an independent consultant in agri-innovation and animal bioscience.

The full policy position can be read here.

Image © Shutterstock



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