Pigs Genetically Engineered for Cystic Fibrosis Research

Pig rescued from midwest flood.
Photo courtesy of Farm Sanctuary.

Researchers from the University of Iowa and the University of Missouri have genetically engineered pigs to have cystic fibrosis. They plan to use the pigs to study the progression of the disease because the symptoms appear to mimic the symptoms experienced by human patients with CF.

Vivisection is probably the most controversial animal rights topic. While proponents sometimes try to frame the issue as choosing between children and mice, this ignores the moral issue: whether we have the right to experiment on animals.

The Guide to Cystic Fibrosis currently has a poll asking whether pigs should be used for CF research.

Links:

• Vivisection FAQ: Why do animal activists oppose using animals for medical research?
  
• Basic Tenets of Animal Rights
  
• What is cystic fibrosis?