Embryology Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Embryology, including details on stem cells, reproduction, transplants, cloning.

Approaches to biosecurity in bovine embryo transfer programs.

Givens MD, Marley SD

Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849-5516, USA. givenmd@vetmed.auburn.edu

Although transfer of bovine embryos is much less likely to result in transmission of pathogens than transport of postnatal cattle, the epidemiologic risk associated with bovine embryo transfer merits examination. Much research has validated the efficacy of internationally approved processing protocols to render bovine in vivo-derived embryos free of specified pathogens. The purpose of this review is to summarize current sanitary recommendations for bovine embryo transfer, while emphasizing recent research to develop and validate novel approaches to biosecurity. Continued research will enable the development and validation of novel embryo treatments and culture reagents to minimize requirements for testing of embryo or oocyte donors, and testing of embryo recipients.

Published 6 December 2007 in Theriogenology, 69(1): 129-36.
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