La surveillance sanitaire des échanges d'embryons bovins issus de fécondation in vitro

Abstract

The production of embryos fertilised in vitro is part of the third generation of biotechnologies applied to reproduction and is now undergoing development and application in the field. International exchanges of these embryos have already commenced. However, there are certain associated health risks. In decreasing order of importance, these involve dangers inherent in the initial biological material from which gametes and various somatic cells vital to such production (follicular and tubal cells, etc.) are derived, then possible external contamination during the production process, and finally storage and transport. Although the research which has been conducted on the interaction between these embryos and pathogens is still rather limited, as the technique has been under development for only a short time, it is clear that the media in which the oocytes undergo maturation, the spermatozoa undergo capacitation or the embryos are cultured constitute excellent indicators of the potential microbiological or viral environment. This can be utilised in health surveillance of the manipulations. Recently, specific recommendations for making such exchanges safe have been inserted into the Office International des Epizooties International Animal Health Code. These recommendations are based on the concept of official approval of specific embryo transfer teams and examination of animals from which gametes are obtained.