In-Depth Notes on Genetic Engineering of Animals and Ethical Considerations

Definition: Genetic engineering involves altering an organism's genetic material to achieve desired traits.
Growth in Technology: The technology for genetic engineering of animals has significantly increased over recent years, inciting various ethical debates.
Animal Welfare: The World Organisation for Animal Health defines animal welfare as "the state of the animal… how an animal is coping with the conditions in which it lives."
Stakeholder Awareness: Important for all stakeholders, especially veterinarians, to understand and engage with the ethical issues surrounding genetically engineered animals.

Genetically Engineered Animals: Animals altered through human intervention, affecting their nuclear or mitochondrial DNA (addition, deletion, substitution).
- Includes terms like genetically modified, genetically altered, transgenic.
Transgenesis: A method of genetic engineering that involves transferring genetic material between organisms.
Ethics of Genetic Engineering: Ethical considerations include possible invasiveness of procedures, large number of animals required, unanticipated welfare concerns, and establishing ethical limits.

GloFish: Zebrafish engineered with genes from jellyfish to produce fluorescent proteins, marketed in the U.S. since 2003.
Hypoallergenic Cats: Some companies genetically engineering cats by removing the gene for Fel d1, a major allergen.
Cloning: First cloned cat, "CC," in 2002, and the first cloned dog, "Snuppy," in 2005.

Cloning and Conservation: Cloning is used to potentially revive extinct species or aid endangered species, although many conservationists express skepticism towards such high-tech methods.

Increasing Productivity: Genetic engineering applied to enhance growth, disease resistance, and food quality in livestock.
- Examples: Transgenic pigs and sheep that express higher growth hormone; goats producing milk with human lysozyme for increased nutritional value.
Enviropig: An engineered pig that reduces environmental pollution through modified phosphorus digestion.

Biomedical Applications: Used to study gene function, model human diseases, and for drug development. Examples include animal models for Alzheimer’s and cancer.
Xenotransplantation: Developing genetically engineered pigs to reduce organ rejection in humans, currently under research and public health scrutiny.

Invasiveness: Genetic engineering often necessitates surgical procedures and animal sacrifice.
Animal Numbers: A large number of animals are needed for successful genetic engineering; only a small proportion survive and carry the desired traits.
Unanticipated Outcomes: Genetic modifications can lead to unpredictable traits and welfare issues, which complicate monitoring animal stress and health.

The increase in genetically engineered animals challenges the principle of reduction.

Public Perceptions: Views on genetic engineering vary based on ethos, potential human benefits, or concerns on biodiversity damage.
Intellectual Property: Ownership and patenting of engineered animals raise concerns about scientific transparency and collaboration.

Awareness and Education: Veterinarians must educate themselves and the public on care for genetically engineered animals, their welfare, and associated risks.
Policy Input: Important roles in shaping policies surrounding the use and ethics of genetic engineering in animals as it relates to health and welfare.

Need for Ethical Limits: As genetic engineering advances, discussions must encompass ethical limits and ensure practices align with animal welfare, dignity, and integrity.
Complexity of Perspectives: The multiplicity of views regarding genetically engineered animals underscores the necessity for comprehensive stakeholder engagement to navigate issues of public concern and educate about potential benefits and risks.