GMAC - Genetic Modification Advisory Committee, Singapore

Appendix 1

Questionaire for Risk Assessment of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) Related to Agriculture

MICROORGANISMS LIVING IN OR ON ANIMALS

Questions here relate to organisms such as gut biota living in larger hosts, and microorganisms applied externally to animals (e.g. bacteria to prevent fleece rot). Issues included here should also take into account the ecological interactions and behavior of host organisms which could have environmental impacts.


1	What is the animal host species?	C3
2	Has the parent organism an extended history of use in agriculture? If so, please elaborate.	A1, C7
3	Is there any evidence that the GMO might be capable of establishing in or on other animals, including feral animals? If so, what are these animals and what are the effects?	C3, D2
4	What new capacity will the GMO provide for the host species? (e.g. ability to degrade plant or pasture toxins)?	C10
5	What secondary effects can be postulated from conferring that capacity on the host?	C10
6	Will the competitive advantage or ecological fitness of the host be altered? Explain, providing data to support your answer.	C10, D4
7	What effects (including secondary effects) are likely on other plants or animals in the agricultural and natural environments? (Please include in your answer any likely effect on non-host animals or feral populations.)	D4, D8
8	What secondary effects can be postulated from the introduction of the GMO into or onto the host? (For example, is there a possibility of the genetic insert being transferred to other organisms in the host, or to host cells?)	C10, D2
9	For GMOs living in animals, will the GMO be excreted or otherwise leave the animal? If so, for how long does it survive outside the animal?	C5, C9
10	What is the survival and dispersal of the GMO in natural waters and soil?	C1, C9 D2
11	What could be the effects of the GMO on water quality?	D4
12	Does the GMO produce spores?	C9
13	Is the GMO resistant to desiccation?	C9
14	What sterilizing and anti-microbial agents are active against the GMO?	C6, D7
15	Is the GMO susceptible to UV and ionizing radiation?	C6, D7