Infectious agents in bovine embryo production: Hazards and solutions

Infectious agents in systems for producing bovine embryos might reduce the number and quality of embryos generated, result in transmission of disease to recipients and offspring, or confound findings of research. Embryo-assoc iated pathogens might also jeopardize human health when the goal of embryo production is creating transgenic animals intended to be a source of pharma ceuticals or organs. This paper addresses risks and resulting hazards of pa thogen and microbial contaminant introduction into in vivo or in vitro embr yo production systems. Additionally, methods for prevention and quality con trol are discussed. (C) 1999 by Elsevier Science Inc.