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Fish DNA reference offers hope for food security
Native to northern Africa, Nile tilapia is the most popular species type of farmed fish.

Researchers have developed an entire genome for Nile tilapia. 

A collaboration between the Earlham Institute, WorldFish, and the Roslin Institute - part of the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies - has produced a “reference genome” for a key fish species that could improve food security for millions of the world’s poorest people.

According to researchers, the fundamental resource will help fish breeders develop strains of the popular type of farmed fish, Nile tilapia, which grow extremely large, very quickly and are resilient to the environmental challenges of global warming. 

Using selective breeding without a complete reference genome, the Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia (GIFT) programme, led by the research institution WorldFish (CGIAR), has produced an elite strain that is now available worldwide. 

Dr Wilfried Haerty, study author and group leader at the Earlham Institute, explained: “A reference genome provides a full, annotated catalogue of all the genes in an organism. This crucial resource is the basis for modern breeding programmes. WorldFish, who are leading on further developments of GIFT, can now use the reference genome as the baseline to work from when looking to breed beneficial traits.” 

Native to northern Africa, Nile tilapia is the most popular species used in aquaculture. With 4,514,615 t produced in 2020, it is the third most  farmed finfish species worldwide, after grass carp and silver carp.

The GIFT strain was developed through a combination of commercial and wild Nile tilapia strains and crosses with other species. By examining the genomes of closely related species, researchers were able to show the degree to which genetic material may have been transferred across species in the past - and identify the specific regions in the GIFT genome.

Dr Diego Robledo, aquaculture genetics group leader at the Roslin Institute, said: “The insights offered by development of the entire genome of this key fish species will enable research towards ensuring sustainably produced supplies, to support a healthy source of nutrition for growing populations.”

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.