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Q&A with Dr. Barbara Glenn, BIO's New Director for Animal Biotechnology
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by Deb Carstoiu
originally printed in BIO News -- Dec 2003/Jan 2004
Dr. Barbara Glenn joined BIO on Oct. 1 as the organization's first director of animal biotechnology. Recently, BIO News had an opportunity to sit down with Dr. Glenn and discuss her new position, the issues surrounding animal biotechnology and where the area may be headed.
Q: How long have you been working in animal biotechnology?
A: I have been working in animal science, primarily ruminant nutrition, for over 21 years after receiving my bachelor's and doctorate degree in animal science and ruminant nutrition. In my previous position at the Federation of Animal Science Societies (FASS), I became more involved with animal biotechnology. While there, FASS initiated a scientific liaison effort in animal biotechnology to provide science-based information pertaining to livestock and poultry.
Q: What will your primary focus at BIO be?
A: My primary goal at BIO is to serve the industry and continue to develop a positive public marketplace so products developed through animal biotechnology can be commercialized.
Q: What do you feel is the greatest challenge for the animal biotechnology industry?
A: The greatest challenge the industry faces is finding a way for science to drive the marketplace while addressing the nexus of science with political and social opinion. Early consumer surveys indicate that there is public emotion towards animals and the concept of transgenics and cloning. We must develop and distribute positive messages about the technology, to assure the public of the benefits. These communications make the nexus more complex, and there is a challenge in finding a way to balance public opinion with the technology in a science-based marketplace.
Q: Where do you see the issue of animal cloning going?
A: Animal cloning is a huge advancement in genetic selection for the livestock and poultry industries and, over time, will become a more integral part of the producers' tool box. While these food products are no different than those from traditional sources, the industry must receive guidance from the regulatory agencies to give the public confidence that these foods are safe.
Q: Many activists against animal cloning argue that the technology is "too close" to human cloning. How will the industry challenge these arguments?
A: It's inappropriate to discuss human cloning and animal cloning in the same context because they are two completely different areas. It is essential that the public understand that because animal cloning is permitted, it does not mean nor guarantee that human cloning will become accepted or regular practice. Ethically and physically, animals cloned for food usage are an entirely different category compared with human cloning, and you must not and cannot apply cloning technology to both equally.
Q: How do you think the regulatory system is handling animal biotechnology?
A: Right now, the regulatory system is not moving fast enough for producers and industries with products nearly ready for commercialization. We do not have final guidance from either the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) or the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, at this time, all animal biotechnology research is being conducted voluntarily under guidance from FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM). It has been a slow process with both agencies on this issue, but BIO will continue to provide input to help expedite a final ruling on a regulatory process.
Deb Carstoiu is a BIO communications consultant.
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