‘Gene drive’ technology (where genome editing increases the likelihood of certain traits being inherited) has now been applied to mammals.
Previously trialled on insects, the technology was used to control the colour of mice in trials at UC San Diego, USA.
Gene drive technology is being explored as a potential breakthrough in the control of disease (e.g. malaria, by altering, inhibiting, or eradicating host species of mosquito).
It could also be applied to the control of feral animals, especially in island environments, but the prospect of genetically engineered animals poses numerous questions which have not yet been addressed.
For more information, see the ‘Science Alert’ by Peter Dockrill.