NEWS 102 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE July 2025 Poultry vaccines are the mainstay of disease prevention in the global poultry production industry, worth an estimated $420 billion (£312bn) in 2025. Scientists at the Pirbright Institute from England created gene-edited chicken cells that produce significantly higher yields of influenza A virus and Newcastle disease virus (NDV). Demonstrated in a proof-ofconcept study, the findings could potentially reduce dependency on embryonated chicken eggs (ECE), currently the main platform for avian viral vaccine production. Writing in Vaccine, the Pirbright researchers explain how they used CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing to target a family of genes called interferon-inducible transmembrane proteins (IFITMs), which are known to act as cell gatekeepers, interfering with viral entry. By deleting the entire IFITM locus, the research team generated knockout cell lines that were able to produce significantly higher yields for influenza A virus and NDV vaccine strains. These higher yields were associated with faster viral infection compared to non-modified cells and higher expression of viral proteins on the cell surface, both important factors linked to improved vaccine production potential. Professor John Hammond, Director of Research at The Pirbright Institute, said, “Our work provides proof of concept that removing innate antiviral barriers in chicken cells can improve viral replication - a key condition for cost-effective, reliable and scalable vaccine production.” Read more>> New CRISPR cell model could transform poultry vaccine production On 5 June, 2025, Maïsadour inaugurated its fish farm in Langolen, Finistère, France, in the presence of government officials, journalists and economic partners. Driven by a strong commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), this production site, one of the most innovative in the country, combines environmental performance, animal welfare and local production, in response to climate challenges and consumer expectations. The site now operates in a closed circuit thanks to multi-stage biofiltration of the water, a technology that is unprecedented on an industrial scale in the field of aquaculture in France, greatly limiting the environmental impact while ensuring optimum living conditions for the fish. The site’s environmental commitment is reflected in the deployment of 6,000 m² of photovoltaic shading, covering the entire facility, Maïsadour points out. The first section, already in service, provides 100% of the site’s self-consumption needs. A second section will be installed by the end of the year, and the surplus will be fed into the grid, contributing to the local energy transition. The result of more than a year’s work, Maïsadour highlights the Langolen fish farm as an embodiment of the new model it wants to deploy: Efficient, responsible and exemplary in environmental and health terms. Read more>> Maïsadour opens closed-loop fish farm in France Photo: The Pirbright Institute Photo: Maïsadour
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