Researchers have discovered a gene in the DNA needed for African swine fever (ASF) to cause infection.
The research by the Friedrich-Loeffler Institute and Roslin Institute in Europe provides insight into the biology of the ASF virus. The identified gene known as SLA-DM is essential for the replication of ASF. The editing of SLA-DM will offer an approach to developing effective therapeutics against ASF infections or ASF-resistant pig breeds.
“Our study identifies target genes for editing to develop pigs resistant to African swine fever,” said Dr. Finn Grey, Roslin Institute, one of the institutions in the study. “Although more work is required, this finding represents an important first step towards the generation of ASF-resistant pigs.”
In July, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in Vietnam issued a document approving a vaccine against ASF.
