I have always marveled at how some—generally on the Left or among Greens—have little or no problem with human cloning and enhancements—with some notable exceptions, of course, such as Bill McGibben—but rail angrily against animal or grain modifications. With that in mind, I wonder what they will think about scientists genetically modifying chickens so they don’t spread bird flu. From the story:
A genetically modified ‘superchicken’ that doesn’t spread deadly bird flu has been developed by scientists. The bird is intended to prevent the outbreaks of avian influenza which lead to millions of birds being culled. It could also stop new strains of flu mutating in domestic fowl and spreading to people, leading to killer worldwide pandemics.
The British team behind the GM chicken say it is ‘inconceivable’ that its meat or eggs could be harmful. However, it will need rigorous safety checks before it could go into the food chain, they said. But anti GM campaigners warned that genetic engineering was not the answer to stopping bird flu - and said the public would never accept GM eggs and meat.
The aroused few might not, but most of us will, once those necessary safety tests have been conducted. Moreover, the need to do this is apparent:
Avian flu is a serious threat to farmers and people. Although it does not easily infect humans, when it does it can be deadly. The latest, most virulent strain - called H5N1 - has killed more than 300 people since 2003 in 15 countries and led to the deaths of millions of birds. In 2007 around 260,000 turkeys were culled in East Anglia after outbreaks of H5N1. Doctors fear it could mutate in flocks of chickens into a new strain that is transmissible from person to person, fuelling a pandemic that kills millions of people.
Animal and food ag (e.g. golden rice) GM can be very beneficial to humans and I support its use, within proper safety parameters (but not the precautionary principle). Keeping chickens from spreading bird flu seem to me to be one such proper use. Indeed, we modify species through selective breeding. Why not properly applied genetic modification?
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