A bold statement has been made: AgResearch's decision to halt GE animal trials has sparked a fresh wave of scrutiny.
The Bioeconomy Science Institute's Stand
The Bioeconomy Science Institute, formerly AgResearch, has taken a stand against genetic experiments on large animals, including cattle and sheep. This decision comes after the closure of their specialized facility in Waikato earlier this year.
The Report: A Critical Eye on Genetic Technologies
A new report by GE-Free NZ, an organization opposing genetic technologies, has questioned the ethics and success of past trials. The report reviews animal trials conducted by AgResearch scientists at their facility in Ruakura, Waikato, from 2015 to 2024. These trials focused on breeding animals with specific traits, such as milk proteins and pharmaceutical proteins, based on Official Information Act responses and AgResearch reports.
The Institute's Explanation
The Institute states that experiments have ceased due to the closure of their specialized facility near Hamilton in June. They emphasize that all studies followed strict animal welfare protocols and guidelines. Dr. Axel Heiser, the Institute's chief scientist, explains that the use of genetic technologies aimed to improve livestock health, productivity, and sustainability.
Animal Welfare Concerns
However, Claire Bleakley, the report's author from GE-Free NZ, argues that the trials resulted in unhealthy animals and poor commercial outcomes, leading to widespread euthanasia. She highlights the suffering and distress experienced by the animals, describing it as an unacceptable level of inhumanity.
The Controversial Aspect
But here's where it gets controversial: the report reveals that hundreds of surrogate Friesian cattle received transgenic, genetically engineered embryos during the nine-year period. Many of these cattle experienced high spontaneous abortion rates and low live birth rates, with many being culled due to deformities or health complications.
Similarly, hundreds of goats carrying transgenic embryos across various studies faced complications and reproductive failures. Sheep were also bred for male sterility and gene-edited for potential xenotransplantation, raising further ethical questions.
The Decision to Halt Trials
AgResearch's decision not to replace their animal containment facility is due to the land's redevelopment for housing by Tainui Holdings. Dr. Heiser confirms that the Institute will not initiate further research in New Zealand focused on the genetic modification of large animals. He highlights the substantial investment required and the implications for the animals involved.
The Regulatory Landscape
Animal experimentation with gene technologies is legal in New Zealand but heavily regulated under the Animal Welfare and Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Acts. These acts require further approval from the Environmental Protection Authority.
A report on the Gene Technology Bill, aiming to introduce a new regulatory regime, is expected soon, following extensive public consultation and over 15,000 submissions.
Thoughts and Questions
This decision raises important questions about the balance between scientific advancement and animal welfare. Where do you stand on this issue? Do you think the potential benefits of genetic technologies outweigh the ethical concerns? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
