Scientists edit chicken genes in fight against deadly bird flu
One of the biggest global health threats is a human flu pandemic caused by a bird-flu strain — and this technology could stop it at its source
03 June 2019 - 14:40
London — Scientists in Britain have used gene-editing techniques to stop bird flu spreading in chicken cells grown in a lab — a key step towards making genetically-altered chickens that could halt a human flu pandemic.
Bird flu viruses currently spread swiftly in wild birds and poultry, and can at times jump into humans. Global health and infectious-disease specialists cite as one of their greatest concerns the threat of a human flu pandemic caused by a bird-flu strain that makes such a jump and mutates into a deadly and airborne form that can pass easily between people...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.