Talking Biotech with Dr. Kevin Folta

Pork production worldwide is limited by a series of viral pig diseases that slow growth, cause illness and restrict reproduction.  One of these is known as PRRS, Porcine Respiratory and Reproductive Syndrome.  PRRS has a massive cost to producers, as they either have to manage the disease or spend significant resources in vaccination and biosecurity.  Dr. Christine Burkard of the Roslin Institute has a solution. Her team has studied how the virus docks with cells and replicates. They have successfully edited the viral attachment domain from the receptor protein using Cas9-mediated gene editing in pig zygotes.  The resulting animals are resistant to the disease, and are being incorporated into breeding programs. Thanks to Dr. Burkard and others studying pig diseases, there will be improvements in animal health and economic benefits for producers.

Show Notes

Pork production worldwide is limited by a series of viral pig diseases that slow growth, cause illness and restrict reproduction.  One of these is known as PRRS, Porcine Respiratory and Reproductive Syndrome.  PRRS has a massive cost to producers, as they either have to manage the disease or spend significant resources in vaccination and biosecurity.  Dr. Christine Burkard of the Roslin Institute has a solution. Her team has studied how the virus docks with cells and replicates. They have successfully edited the viral attachment domain from the receptor protein using Cas9-mediated gene editing in pig zygotes.  The resulting animals are resistant to the disease, and are being incorporated into breeding programs. Thanks to Dr. Burkard and others studying pig diseases, there will be improvements in animal health and economic benefits for producers.

Follow Dr. Burkard on Twitter:  @Cburkard4
 
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The Talking Biotech podcast is distinct from Dr. Kevin Folta's teaching and research roles at the University of Florida. The views expressed on the show are those of Dr. Folta and his guests, and do not reflect the opinions of the university or Colabra.

What is Talking Biotech with Dr. Kevin Folta?

Talking Biotech is a weekly podcast that uncovers the stories, ideas and research of people at the frontier of biology and engineering.

Each episode explores how science and technology will transform agriculture, protect the environment, and feed 10 billion people by 2050.

Interviews are led by Dr. Kevin Folta, a professor of molecular biology and genomics.