Accessibility of world germplasm resources: animal health constraints

Abstract

Germplasm is not distributed evenly about the globe for a variety of natural and artificial reasons. This uneven distribution creates a demand for germplasm movement into new areas. Animal diseases are not distributed evenly about the globe either, and for a variety of natural and artificial reasons also. This uneven distribution creates a demand for animal health barriers to germplasm movement. In response to demands from livestock breeders we have developed methods to overcome these barriers with a minimal risk of spreading disease.

Concern for the preservation of genetic diversity elevates the previous demands for access to isolated germplasm into imperatives. An equal imperative, of course, is a regard for world animal health. Fortunately, research has provided technologies such as embryo transfer, which, when combined with other safeguards, may enable us to move germplasm from area to area with minimal risk of disease transmission.