Conservation & local programs

Conserving and reconstituting key Animal Genetic Resources in an era of epidemic

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Abstract

Livestock populations are vulnerable to a range of threats. Unexpected disasters can quickly destroy or diminish livestock populations, compromising or eliminating the ability of livestock to deliver benefits to producers and society at large. The 55% decrease in swine production in China due to African Swine Flu (ASF) created a $111.2 billion loss, highlighting the magnitude widespread epidemics can have on a nation. Yet, 70% of FAO member countries responded to a FAO questionnaire that they have no official plan in place to protect or reconstitute animal genetic resources from large-scale epidemics or other disasters like drought or floods. In addition, no attention has been paid to how such challenges impact key breeding populations and nucleus breeding programs and the recovery of this segment of the livestock sector after a disaster. Developing disaster mitigation plans for the genetic base of the livestock sector is critical due to its importance for improving production efficiency and ensuring food security. Our evaluation of this issue focused upon management alternatives for in-situ populations, strengthening national gene bank collections, articulating a plan to assist the livestock sector in reconstituting populations impacted and recovery efforts. For in-situ populations, countries need to identify key breed types that substantially contribute to their nation's GDP. For example, in OECD countries breed types might consist of specialized dairy or beef breeds; while non-OECD countries may decide to focus upon additional sets of breeds that contribute most to the country's livestock revenue. For ex-situ conservation of selected 'breed types', national gene banks need to substantially increase quantities of germplasm held to ensure key populations can be rebuilt if faced with significant loss. For example, in swine, the quantity of semen held by a gene bank will have to increase from approximately 9,000 to 38,000 0.5 ml straws to recover 1,000 sows for an impacted population after a catastrophic event. Furthermore countries need to implement advanced biotechnologies. For example, primordial germ cells in chickens that can reduce reconstitution time by approximately 1,000 days compared to back-crossing approaches. Cloning becomes a more rapid reconstitution method for swine and ruminants than traditional artificial insemination. A unified set of policies among implementing ministries (animal health, breeding, and international trade) is necessary. In worst case scenarios, collaboration and exchange of germplasm among gene banks from different countries and/or regions might be used. The changes outlined represent a significant alteration in the way in-situ and ex-situ conservation among animal genetic resources are performed. However, given the magnitude of the threat and the implications of livestock loss, the approaches discussed are over the long term cost effective.

Keywords: 2026

How to Cite:

Paiva, S., Blackburn, H., Sosin, E., Silva, P., Houaga, I., Hiemstra, S. & Boettcher, P., (2026) “Conserving and reconstituting key Animal Genetic Resources in an era of epidemic”, World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production Digital Archive 2026(1): 2287462. doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/wcgalp.24295

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