Pigs are a natural source for xenotransplantation due to the fact that they are so anatomically similar to humans. The key is to genetically modify the animals by knocking out the genes that are responsible for initiating the human immune system.
Research studies that have been carried out over the last year at The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) have shown that genetically altered porcine hearts that are transplanted into baboon’s abdomens are withstanding rejection along with a little help from host targeted immunosuppression. It is the hope of the scientists that all major organs will be able to be xenotransplanted including insulin producing cells which would treat diabetic patients.
This procedure will hopefully mean fewer potentially toxic drugs for immunosuppression. This is critical research because it may solve the shortage of human donor organs. Please click the link for “Pig Heart Transplants For Humans Could Be On Their Way” by Janet Fang to read the article.
Dear Valued Client,
The USDA has confirmed that porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) has been identified in the United States for the first time, through testing at the National Veterinary Services Laboratory. This is not a new virus, nor is it a regulatory/reportable disease. Since PEDV is widespread in many countries, it is not a trade-restricting disease, but rather a production-related disease. PEDV may appear clinically to be the same as transmissible gastroenteritis (TGE) virus with acute diarrhea. This PEDV is not zoonotic and poses no risk to the meat industry. An outbreak, however, can be devastating in swine production as well as research facilities with death rates of 30-100 percent in young pigs. PEDV spreads mostly by ingestion of contaminated feces. The most common sources of infected feces are pigs, trucks, boots, clothing, or other inanimate objects such as vehicles, trailers, or transfer equipment. Cleaning, disinfection, and drying of contaminated surfaces are effective measures to prevent PEDV contamination. PEDV is susceptible to many common disinfectants such as Clorox, virkon-s, 1 stroke, tek-trol and others. Producers as well as end users need to develop and maintain strict biosecurity protocols in order to prevent the virus from affecting domestic swine used in biomedical research. We have been working with our veterinarian and government sources to protect our herd via monitoring and the continual upgrading of our biosecurity program.
Please note that ABI is free of PEDV due to a very strict biosecurity plan which has been in place since October 2013. A strict quarantine program exists where no replacement animals, animal based feed products, commercial or agricultural vehicles, visitors, or any other potential vectors, etc. can enter the ABI production facility. In order to expand our biosecurity efforts, we are requesting that all of our clients do two things: Continue Reading Animal Biotech Research Swine Free of PEDV
Highest Standards of Animal Tissue Harvesting
At Animal Biotech Industries (ABI), our mission is to provide clients with high-quality, post-mortem tissues harvested with precise attention to client specifications. All products are harvested at USDA federally inspected abattoirs or at our onsite climate controlled facilities. These harvests are carried out in strictly controlled environmental conditions following precise protocols which have been specifically developed for each client.
Animal Tissue Shipment
These tissue samples are then processed and packaged using time tested techniques that guarantee the integrity of the tissues during shipment. Most tissues are shipped by FedEx either fresh using cold packs or frozen with dry ice. Our packaging and boxing methods allow all tissue to remain in either condition during shipment inside the boxes for up to three days even under the most adverse temperature extremes. We also make it our policy to have contingency plans in place to ensure our clients receive their tissue exactly when they need it, taking into account possible delivery delays with intermediate shipping companies. All FedEx boxes are tracked by both ABI and its clients. Continue Reading A Focus on Quality Tissue for Research Needs