GMO chickens (Photo : YouTube)
English scientists have developed genetically modified (GM), glow-in-the-dark chickens in order to block the bird flu. While the avian influenza has recently ravaged the United States poultry and egg market, the United Kingdom research is showing positive results that could help to fight the disease and prevent outbreaks.
Since December of 2014, the recent bird flu outbreak has killed 48 million U.S. chickens and turkeys. However, the U.K. government's new research could prevent future epidemics.
Some top poultry companies have already funded parts of the U.K. research. That includes one in Germany and the U.S., according to Perfect Science.
The genetically modified organism (GMO) chickens are given a shot of a fluorescent protein. This sets them apart from regular birds.
When GMO birds contact the avian flu, the winged animals' genetic codes trick the virus, causing it to duplicate the decoy. Then the virus cannot copy itself.
People who work with chickens are most at risk of bird flu infections. If the virus mutates it could result in a pandemic, according to Reuters.
Researchers explain that GMO poultry could help to contain diseases and feed the world's soaring population. However, it will likely hit the market after several years.
For instance, the U.S.'s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been examining a variety of GMO salmon for two decades. It was developed to grow faster than usual.
Some consumer groups have opposed using GMO animals as food. The main argument is that GMO crops already cause health and environmental issues.
A mouse was the world's first GMO animal. It was developed in the 1980s by injecting DNA into embryos, for the purpose of conducting research on the rodent.
This video explains the bird flu:
