February 23, 2000
The Environmental Risk Management Authority has today approved the import of a series of genetically modified mice into New Zealand. This is the sixth approval for importing GM mice into containment granted by the Authority since the HSNO Act started in 1998. The application is from the University of Otago (including the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, and Christchurch and Otago medical schools). The purpose is to import mice and to keep them in contained conditions for medical research. The Malaghan Institute studies cancer, asthma, tuberculosis, and multiple sclerosis and has a focus on the immunological mechanisms of disease.
Under the HSNO Act, there is no requirement for public submissions on applications to import a GMO into containment.
Some 500 strains of mice have been approved for import. The mice have been genetically modified by 'knocking out' some elements of the gene sequence or introducing additional genetic material from a range of other organisms including human genes.
The approval requires that the mice be kept under strict laboratory conditions conforming to PC2 level of containment as specified in joint Australian/New Zealand laboratory standards.
The application was received on 1 April 1999 and then stalled under S.52 of the Act while further information was sought from the applicant. The application was verified in December and the decision issued on 17 February 2000.