Genome editing and farmed animal breeding: social and ethical issues

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The Nuffield Council on Bioethics has published in December 2021 their most recent report on the social and ethical issues associated with the use of genome editing in farm animal breeding. The Nuffield Council on Bioethics is an independent body based in the United Kingdom that examines and advises on ethical issues arising from developments in bioscience and health. The Council is made up of around 15 members and 12 executive staff. It was established by the trustees of the Nuffield Foundation in 1991, is funded jointly by the Nuffield Foundation, the Medical Research Council and Wellcome. One of their terms of reference is to identify and define ethical questions raised by recent developments in biological and medical research that concern, or are likely to concern, the public interest; and the Council reviews the available evidence with a view to report on these matters and to make recommendations relating to policy and practice.