From Marcus Clarke
Your editorial comment regarding the usefulness of producing genetically
modified cattle resistant to trypanosomiasis asks a serious question about the
knock-on effects of genetic engineering
(26 May, p 3). While cattle farmers
might approve of the new strains of livestock, I am 100 per cent certain that
many of the dedicated researchers and guardians in Africa’s protected areas will
be less than pleased.
The tsetse fly and its Trypanosoma parasitic companions represent
one of the most important factors limiting the number of livestock encroaching
on protected areas. Substantial vegetation that provides the biting flies’
habitat makes much of the bush a no-go area for domesticated livestock.
Producing trypanosomiasis-resistant animals would have the effect of opening up
the last remaining wilderness areas in parts of Africa to the ravages of cattle
and their masters. What seems like a good idea is likely to have dire
consequences for the local habitats and wildlife.
It seems to me that much of the debate about GM organisms ignores the
complexity of the systems into which they are likely to be introduced. It is
likely that many of the revolutionary GM strains of organisms will have similar
knock-on effects. While they may not harm anything directly, their very
existence may be enough to upset the balance of ecosystems in ways that we have
not anticipated or are unable to predict.
marcusclarke@stourdevelopments.com
