Approval follows extensive review by Canadian regulatory bodies

Canada has granted approval for the use of PRRS-resistant pigs in food and feed, marking a significant advancement in the country's agricultural biotechnology sector. This decision comes after comprehensive evaluations by Health Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), and Environment & Climate Change Canada (ECCC).

Background and Context

PRRS, or porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome, is a disease that significantly affects swine health and productivity. The approval of PRRS-resistant pigs, developed by PIC, follows similar endorsements in the United States and several South American countries. The Canadian regulatory bodies conducted independent reviews of research and data, concluding that these gene-edited pigs are safe for consumption and effective in livestock feeds.

Market Implications

The introduction of PRRS-resistant pigs is expected to have a positive impact on the Canadian pork industry, which generated over $6.3 billion (EUR 5.3) in farm cash receipts in 2024. The ability to reduce the incidence of PRRS could lead to improved animal welfare, a decrease in antibiotic usage, and a reduced environmental footprint. Todd Wilken, PIC's director of North America sales, highlighted that PRRS increases the need for antibiotics by more than two times compared to unaffected pigs.

Consumer Acceptance and Labeling

Consumer research indicates a high level of acceptance for pork from gene-edited pigs, with 90% of Canadian consumers open to purchasing such products. The main motivator for this acceptance is the responsible reduction in antibiotic use. Despite the genetic modifications, Health Canada has determined that no special labeling is required, as the nutritional and safety profiles are equivalent to conventional pork.

Global Perspective

The approval in Canada is part of a broader strategy to introduce PRRS-resistant pigs globally. Genus PLC, the parent company of PIC, is actively seeking regulatory approvals in other countries to support international trade and commercialisation efforts. This step is crucial for protecting global trade and ensuring the responsible introduction of these pigs worldwide.

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