ERMA Decision Welcome, But Predictable

Scientists and people with multiple sclerosis will join the New Zealand Life Sciences Network in welcoming the outcome of the reconsideration by ERMA of the myelin cattle application, the Network’s Chairman, Dr William Rolleston, said today.

“ERMA has done its paperwork the way the High Court insisted it should be done. Now we can all look forward to this very important research going ahead.

“AgResearch scientists will feel great relief at the prospect of the totally unnecessary slaughter of the cows and their unborn calves having been put to rest.

“These cows were never going to be a threat to the environment; rather they are going to make a very significant contribution to science (whatever the outcome of the field trials) and hopefully they will also enable our scientists to learn more about the potential for producing MBP (myelin basic protein) in cow’s milk. If this segment of the research proves fruitful it holds out hope that cows may become efficient and cheap producers of a product, which will have very substantial benefits for people who are affected by multiple sclerosis. How anyone can argue there is no benefit from this research is beyond comprehension,” concluded Dr Rolleston.

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