Local animal researchers are dismissing concerns that genetically engineered animals may escape into the wild and introduce altered genes to wild populations in Story County.

The possibility was the subject of a recent report by the National Academy of Sciences.

Curtis Youngs, associate professor of animal science, said he’s not worried about Iowa State’s animals.

“Due to the intense level of regulation and oversight, I am not at all concerned about the escape of genetically engineered animals into the wild here in Story County,” he said. “Although the potential may exist in other parts of the country, or other parts of the world, it is really a non-issue here locally.”

The Food and Drug Administration requested the new report, which was released Aug. 20, as it prepares to rule on the safety of certain animal biotechnology products, including cloned cattle. The National Academy of Sciences panel reported the possibility of genetically engineered animals escaping and introducing their genes into wild populations was at the top of a list of concerns associated with advances in animal biotechnology. The panel found no evidence that products from cloned livestock are unsafe for human consumption, however.

Youngs said the technology exists to genetically engineer livestock species such as pigs and cattle, but there is currently no research of this nature being conducted with such species at Iowa State.

“To the best of my knowledge, no one on campus is attempting to genetically engineer mammalian wildlife species,” he said.

Many of the animals genetically altered are domesticated and could not survive in the wild, said Lisa Lorenzen, industrial liaison of biotechnology.

She said there have been concerns at other research facilities about genetically altered salmon, however. These salmon are engineered with a gene that accelerates their growth and allows them to compete more successfully for food and mates than wild salmon.

Youngs said he was thrilled about the new report by the National Academy of Sciences, although it probably will not have a direct effect on life science researchers at Iowa State.

“I believe it will be an excellent tool to educate the public and continue meaningful dialogue about the role of these technologies in our society,” he said.

A copy of the report by the National Academy of Sciences can be found at http://nationalacademies.org