Genetic Innovation Offers Solution to Porcine Disease Crisis

HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn., September 2, 2025 — A groundbreaking genetic innovation by PIC has introduced a solution to the widespread and devastating disease known as Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS). This disease has plagued pig farms globally for decades, leading to significant animal suffering and economic loss. The new PRRS-resistant pig, developed through advanced gene-editing techniques, represents a significant advancement in agricultural science.

“This isn’t just a modification to pork; it’s a major step forward in how we protect pigs from a devastating disease,” stated Matt Culbertson, Chief Operating Officer of PIC. The innovation involves altering a specific genetic site that the PRRS virus targets, thereby enabling pigs to develop resilience against the disease.

Economic Implications of PRRS

The economic toll of PRRS is staggering. Research conducted by Dr. Derald Holtkamp, an associate professor at Iowa State University, indicates that the disease resulted in an estimated $1.2 billion annual loss to the U.S. pork industry from 2016 to 2020, reflecting an 80% increase compared to a decade earlier. The situation has become increasingly dire, with the second quarter of 2025 witnessing the highest number of PRRS outbreaks since 2013, according to the USDA’s Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry Outlook.

The introduction of PRRS-resistant pigs could mitigate this crisis by reducing antibiotic usage, enhancing animal welfare, and decreasing the environmental footprint of pork production. “Nothing foreign was added and no genes were inserted, meaning this is not a GMO,” emphasized Culbertson. “This is a healthier pig, bred through a science-driven approach. We made the original edit over six years ago, and since then, pigs have passed on PRRS resistance through traditional breeding.”

Consumer Attitudes Towards PRRS-Resistant Pork

To gauge consumer acceptance of this innovation, PIC collaborated with Circana, a leading consumer behavior research firm. Their findings revealed that pork from PRRS-resistant pigs received an above-average purchase likelihood score among over 6,000 food products tested. In particular, female consumers indicated a remarkable 90% likelihood of purchasing pork from these genetically resilient pigs, given that the taste and safety remain unchanged compared to conventional pork.

“Circana’s concept testing boasts over 90% accuracy in predicting consumer behavior,” remarked Staci Covkin, Principal of Innovation at Circana. “Results show that concepts scoring in the top quintile of our benchmarks typically become market leaders, validated by actual sales performance.”

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the gene edit for PRRS-resistant pigs in April 2025. Additionally, countries such as Colombia, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, and Argentina have recognized the pigs as non-GMO, ensuring they will be regulated similarly to other livestock.

The journey to FDA approval was arduous, involving thorough reviews of third-party research and multiple generations of pigs. “Earning FDA approval was a years-long process,” Culbertson noted, highlighting the extensive research that underpinned this innovation.

The PRRS-resistant pigs now join a growing list of FDA-approved gene edits in agriculture, alongside over 40 gene edits for human health. Currently, more than 500 gene-edited crops are in development globally.

For more information about this innovative solution, visit PRRSResistantPig.com.

About PIC: For over 60 years, PIC has been at the forefront of genetic improvement in agriculture. The company partners with university researchers to develop advancements such as the PRRS-resistant pig, bolstering its commitment to innovation and efficiency. Operating in more than 40 countries, PIC is a subsidiary of Genus, a UK-based company dedicated to pioneering genetic improvements in animal agriculture.

About Genus: Genus is a leading global animal genetics company that supplies high-quality breeding animals to farmers, enabling them to produce better quality meat and milk more sustainably. For additional information, visit genusplc.com.

For media inquiries, contact: Marisa Pooley at [email protected].

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at the Globe Newswire link.