The United States has long been a leader in agricultural innovation, including in the development and regulatory review of gene-edited agricultural products. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) 2025 approval of the gene edit used to breed PRRS-resistant pigs marked an important step in bringing the technology closer to commercial reality.
As discussions about gene editing continue across the livestock sector, interest in the technology is growing throughout North America, especially as the impact of PRRS continues to grow at an alarming rate.
Across the continent, the industry sees the same problem—and perhaps the same potential solution. As gene editing moves from theory to commercial reality, both with the PRRS-resistant pig and other gene-edited livestock and crops, a number of countries are signaling confidence in the technology's potential.
Improving animal welfare and maintaining safety standards
In 2026, Canadian regulators approved PRRS-resistant pigs after an extensive review of animal, environmental and food safety data. The decision reflects a broader regulatory approach that treats gene editing as an extension of established breeding practices, provided it meets strict safety standards.
Stephen Heckbert, former CEO of the Canadian Pork Council (CPC), says the technology’s value begins with its impact on animal health.
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