Govt stops embryo experiments

2002-05-10 10:55

Thinus Ferreira

Stellenbosch - Dreams of creating South Africa's first space lamb were shattered after the government refused a University of Stellenbosch research team permission to transplant the live "space" embryos into sheep.

Dr Danie Barry, a University of Stellenbosch agricultural scientist and veterinary surgeon and leader of the embryo and stem cell research project Mark Shuttleworth conducted on board the International Space Station (ISS), said on Thursday that the provincial agriculture, tourism and gambling department has refused permission for the embryos to be transplanted into any animals.

The experiment probes the comparative growth of embryos and stem cell in zero gravity and normal conditions on Earth.

"Unfortunately the department refused permission under animal health regulations as the transplant poses the risk of disease transmission from Kazakhstan. We are prohibited from transplanting the live embryos in recipient animals," Barry said.

"We would have liked to breed a lamb from the material, but the department's concerns over the risk of transmitting disease to South Africa is understandable and acceptable."

SA import standards not complied with

Provincial agriculture, tourism and gambling minister Johan Gelderblom said on Thursday that no guarantees could be provided that would have ensured the disease free status of the embryos.

"The embryos therefore do not comply with South African import standards for live embryos.

"We don't want breed lambs that fly to the moon," Gelderblom said on Thursday.

The biological samples are currently stored in tubes in a 20kg tank of frozen liquid nitrogen at Energia in Korolev.

An exhausted Barry returned from Moscow on Wednesday and said the embryos and stem cells would be returned to South Africa as soon as the Russians release them. A few documents and health statements must still be completed.

The project team involved in the research are subjected to stringent security measures to prevent contamination.

This includes protective clothing for Barry and his team that is disinfected after use, as well as disposable instruments for the experiments.

The entire laboratory area is in quarantine while the research is in progress and for a further three weeks after work on the material is completed.

Eight sheep embryos and 255 mice embryos accompanied Shuttleworth on his space mission.

Barry confirmed that live embryos were brought back by Shuttleworth.

Although a sheep is unlikely to be produced from the experiment, Barry is nevertheless excited about his research.

"I am optimistic that we will acquire valuable information," he said.

- Die Burger