March 13, 2000
The Environmental Risk Management Authority will hold a public hearing on an application for genetically modified sheep on 6,7 April 2000.
The application, from Ag Research Ltd, is to field test genetically modified sheep with an inactivated myostation gene, in contained facilities at its Ruakura site in the Waikato.
The proposal is to alter a gene in conventional sheep that produces the myostatin protein, which regulates muscle development. It is known that a similar natural mutation occurs in the Belgian Blue cattle. The research is to see if the process can be replicated in sheep to achieve enhanced muscle growth.
A total of 80 submissions were received, mostly from individuals. Generally submitters have expressed objections to the proposal, although there were a number of submissions in support. Local Maori have not made a submission but provided comment when consulted by the applicant.
Of those who made submissions, 64 have asked to be heard. Under the HSNO Act, anyone can make a submission on an application, and any submitter can call for a public hearing.
The Authority has allowed two days for the hearing, due to the large number of submissions received.
It will be held in Wellington in front of a special committee comprising: Bill Falconer (Chair); Prof. Barry Scott; Dr. Oliver Sutherland; Prof. Colin Mantell; Dr. Lindie Nelson and Dr. Mere Roberts (with expertise on Maori issues).
The application was received on 16 June 1999 and then stalled when further information was sought under S.52 of the HSNO Act. It was notified on 8 December 1999 and submissions closed 16 February 2000.
For further information:
Karen Cronin,
Communications Manager, ERMA New Zealand
Phone 04 496 4826 or 04 918 4826
Background
Ag Research already has approval to develop the gene construct. The present application is to transfer embryos to a flock of conventional sheep, with the expectation of achieving 5-10 transgenic animals. These would form a founder flock, to breed up to 100 transgenic sheep. The work would be done at the Ag Research Ruakura site.
The aim of the project is to increase the understanding of myostatin function. If approved, it would be a field test in containment.
The applicant has cited potential long term benefits from the research including:
- the potential to identify genetic markers which could enhance conventional sheep breeding;
- alternatively, the potential to develop a transgenic flock carrying the new gene construct to improve;
- scientific understanding of the process of muscle development, which might have benefits for medical research related to heart failure and muscular damage.
The Executive Summary of the application is available from ERMA New Zealand.