Researcher in the United Kingdom have discovered a way to better protect chickens from High-Path Avian Influenza (HPAI) through gene editing.
This new research comes as the European Food Safety Authority is recommending avian influenza vaccines for high risk flocks.
Researchers made specific changes to a gene that is essential to support flu viruses inside a chicken. The scientists were able to edit the gene to stop the growth of HPAI. Trials showed almost all of the gene edited chickens showed resistance to lower doses of the virus.
Related Stories
Stable small business confidence supports rural economies, but lingering cost pressures and uncertainty continue to shape farm-country decision-making.
Producers may need to prepare for margin pressure in livestock feeding, while dairy farmers could benefit from stronger product demand.
Despite rising costs and growing food insecurity, meat demand remained strong in 2025 as higher-income consumers offset cutbacks elsewhere. Economists break down the K-shaped economy, upcoming USDA cattle reports, livestock production outlooks, and renewed debate over beef imports and country-of-origin labeling heading into 2026.
