title: Identified and unidentified challenges for reproductive biotechnologies regarding infectious diseases in animal and public health.
abstract: The aim of the present paper is to review the known and theoretical risks for in vivo derived and in vitro produced embryos as well as for nuclear transferred or transgenic embryos in terms of animal diseases or diseases of public health consequence. For in vivo derived embryos, a considerable number of experiments and scientific investigations have resulted in recommended guidelines and procedures that ensure a high level of safety. The effectiveness of these measures has been validated by field experience with the safe transfer of several million embryos over the past three decades. In vitro produced embryos have several characteristics that differentiate them from the former, in particular a structure of the zona pellucida that results in a more frequent possible association of pathogens with the embryo. However, the guidelines prescribed by the IETS, the international standard setting body (OIE) and existing national regulatory frameworks are in place to minimize the risk of disease transmission. No specific public health risks have been identified to date with respect to in vivo or in vitro derived embryos. In regard to nuclear transferred and transgenic embryos, theoretical risks have been identified in relation to the potential effects on some intrinsic viruses such as endogenous retroviruses but very little targeted experimental work has been carried out on infectious diseases that could have adverse consequences on animal or human health. Although there has been no report of such adverse consequences associated with the limited number of animals produced to date by such reproductive technologies, a precautionary approach is warranted given the potential negative impacts and it would be prudent to restrict at this stage, the international movement of such "manipulated" embryos.
authors.affiliation: Représentation Permanente de la France auprès de l'OAA/FAO, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Thibier
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D030801:Animals, Genetically Modified; D001709:Biotechnology; D001947:Breeding / Q000379:methods*; D019976:Cloning, Organism / Q000662:veterinary; D018562:Disease Transmission, Infectious / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary*; D004624:Embryo Transfer / Q000592:standards / Q000662:veterinary; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary*; D011634:Public Health; D012099:Reproductive Techniques / Q000592:standards / Q000662:veterinary*; D012449:Safety