GM (Genetic Modification)
GM Animals
How is a GM animal made?
The genome of an animal embryo can be modified by the addition of synthetic chromosomes, targeted removal of certain genes, or addition of genes. The embryo can then be implanted into a mother to develop.
The technology to produce GM animals is still in it's infancy and the success rate of producing viable GM offspring is low.
Health and Welfare of GM animals
The government has an open mind about GM animals. Its first priority is to protect human health and the environment. The Government is pro-science and pro-consumer choice. However, government also realises that there are issues surrounding GM animals that are different to those surrounding GM plants and micro-organisms. As such it commissioned a report on this issue from the Agriculture and Environment Biotechnology Commission (AEBC) "Animals and Biotechnology". The government welcomed and responded to the report and uses this to inform its decisions on matters regarding GM animals.
GM Fish
The Government is aware that it is difficult to envisage any circumstances in which the release of a GM fish would be permitted. There are no GM fish held in aquatic pens in this country and no approval has yet been sought or granted for commercial production of GM fish.
Page published 31 October
2003;
Page last modified
8 August, 2006