Missouri’s genetically modified pigs may soon get FDA approval [Video]

MISSOURI, USA — A deadly virus has financially devastated the global pig and pork industry for decades.

Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) virus was first discovered in the U.S. in 1987. It has since been found to have a high mortality rate, high rate of spread, and causes pigs who contract it to have difficulty gaining weight and giving birth. The virus was last estimated to cost the U.S. pork industry around $660 million annually and contributes to an unstable food supply.

Breakthrough research from the University of Missouri may help change that. The disease has been labeled “incurable” because vaccines aren’t effective against it due to the virus’ infection of white blood cells, according to Randall Prather, the director of MU’s National Swine Resource and Research Center. So, instead, researchers sought to create pigs that were genetically resistant to the …