“Frequently Asked Questions” About Genetic Engineering in Farm Animals: A Frame Analysis

Koralesky, Katherine E.; Tworek, Heidi J. S.; von Keyserlingk, Marina A. G.; Weary, Daniel M.

doi:10.1007/s41055-024-00143-z

Cited by 4 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 49 publications

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“…The secondary aim of this article was to compare survey participant questions to questions presented in FAQ webpages ( Koralesky et al, 2024 ). To identify FAQ webpages, we developed a systematic search strategy based on Godin et al (2015) , which included an advanced Google search using the “intitle” function and pairing of search terms (e.g.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Gene editing in animals: What does the public want to know and what information do stakeholder organizations provide?

Kuo,

Koralesky,

von Keyserlingk

et al. 2024

Public Underst Sci

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Organizations involved with gene editing may engage with the public to share information and address concerns about the technology. It is unclear, however, if the information shared aligns with what people want to know. We aimed to understand what members of the public want to know about gene editing in animals by soliciting their questions through an open-ended survey question and comparing them with questions posed in Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) webpages developed by gene editing stakeholder organizations. Participants (338 USA residents) asked the most questions about gene editing in general and animal welfare. In contrast, FAQ webpages focused on regulations. The questions survey participants asked demonstrate a range of knowledge and interests. The discrepancy between survey participant questions and the information provided in the FAQ webpages suggests that gene editing stakeholders might engage in more meaningful public engagement by soliciting actual questions from the public and opening up opportunities for real dialogue.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Gene editing in animals: What does the public want to know and what information do stakeholder organizations provide?

Kuo,

Koralesky,

von Keyserlingk

et al. 2024

Public Underst Sci

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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Expert Views on Communicating Genetic Technology Used in Agriculture

Hendricks,

Weary,

von Keyserlingk

2024

Food ethics

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The use of genetic technology in agriculture is viewed by some as the next frontier of farming but others may view it as a threat. The aim of the current study was to describe the views of experts working in agricultural genetics regarding how best to communicate genetic technology with a broader audience (e.g., clientele, the public). We recruited 10 experts working in roles that involve communication about genetic technology in agriculture. Using semi-structured interviews, we asked participants to describe how they discuss this technology, who they discuss it with, and their thoughts on the involvement of various stakeholders in these discussions. Interview transcripts were subjected to thematic analysis and participant responses were organized into three themes: 1) Communicating and framing genetic technology, including discussing risks, benefits, and applications, distinguishing technology from other similar technologies, and engaging in value-based discussions; 2) Challenges of public communication, including misinformation and opposing opinions, conflation with older technologies, and balancing information provision; and 3) Stakeholder involvement in discussions, which included views on how different groups (e.g., activists, farmers, and scientists) should be included in discussions, and who is best suited to discuss genetic technology with the public. We conclude that leaders in agricultural genetics engage in a variety of approaches to communicate genetic technology, using different frames that they feel are likely to appeal to their audience, and differ in their opinions of who should be involved in these discussions.

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University student perspectives on antimicrobial peptide use in farm animals

Urloiu,

Shah,

Hendricks

et al. 2024

PLoS ONE

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Growing awareness of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in livestock production has led to calls for the development of alternatives such as antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that are also able to combat infectious diseases in farm animals. A critical step in the development of AMPs is to understand people’s perspectives towards this technology to avoid misalignment with societal expectations. The aim of this study was to investigate university student perspectives of AMP applications in farm animals as alternatives to antibiotic use. We interviewed 20 university students and, using thematic analysis, identified six themes: 1) Initial knowledge, including knowledge of antibiotics and initial impressions of AMPs; 2) Human wellbeing, including the effects of food and animal health on public health, the importance of addressing AMR, and cost for farmers; 3) Animal welfare, including animal health, welfare, and production, and continuation of contentious farm practices; 4) Perceived naturalness of AMPs, including biocompatibility and comparing same and different species transfer of biological material; 5) Unforeseen consequences of AMPs, and the importance of researching unintended consequences of novel technologies; and 6) Public acceptance of AMPs, including trust and lack of awareness. In summary, participants viewed AMPs positively as an alternative to antibiotic use in farm animals to address AMR. However, key concerns centered around unintended harmful effects for food systems, public health, and animal welfare, which may impact public acceptance of AMPs in animal agriculture.

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“Frequently Asked Questions” About Genetic Engineering in Farm Animals: A Frame Analysis

Cited by 4 publications

References 49 publications

Gene editing in animals: What does the public want to know and what information do stakeholder organizations provide?

Gene editing in animals: What does the public want to know and what information do stakeholder organizations provide?

Expert Views on Communicating Genetic Technology Used in Agriculture

University student perspectives on antimicrobial peptide use in farm animals

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