Foot-and-mouth resistant clones 'possible'

Scientists may soon be able to clone livestock resistant to foot and mouth disease.

A Black Angus calf has already been cloned which isn't affected by three major diseases.

Experts say they can do the same with foot-and-mouth within a few years.

The procedure was carried out at Texas A and M University according to the Mail on Sunday.

Professor Garry Adams, head of the team that did it, said: "The impact of cloning disease resistant cattle is potentially monumental."

Foot-and-mouth disease is caused by a virus, not a bacteria, so the cloning technique is more difficult.

PA