Transgenic animals and prion diseases: hypotheses, risks, regulations and policies

Journal or Publishing Institution: New Zealand Veterinary Journal

Study: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00480169.1996.35929?journalCode=tnzv20

Author(s): Wills, P.R.

Article Type: Journal Publication

Record ID: 1246

Abstract: In his reply to my letter about transgenic animals and prion diseases the Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Barry O`Neil, raised several issues of science and policy that require a more detailed response. Debate about the status of prions as infectious agents devoid of nucleic acid seems to be over. The “unified theory” of Weissmann was a last-ditch attempt to postulate the existence of a nucleic acid (a “co-priori”) in the agent, but the theory was ill-conceived and since it was put forward a range of experiments have refuted the need for co-prions.

Keywords: Livestock; Transmissible spongiform encephalopathy

Citation: Wills, P.R., 1996. Transgenic animals and prion diseases: Hypotheses, risks, regulations and policies. New Zealand Veterinary Journal, 44, pp.33-36.