Why are cloned animals susceptible to the same diseases as their parent animal?

Cloned animals are susceptible to the same diseases as their parent animals because they share the same genetic makeup. This means that they have the same genes that may predispose them to certain diseases. Additionally, cloned animals may also inherit diseases from their surrogate mothers, who may be carrying viruses or bacteria that can pass to the cloned animal during gestation.

Here are some specific examples of diseases that cloned animals have been shown to be susceptible to:

* Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), or mad cow disease: This fatal neurodegenerative disease affects cattle and other bovines. Cloned cattle have been shown to be susceptible to BSE, even if the donor animal did not have the disease.

* Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS): This viral disease affects pigs and can cause respiratory problems, reproductive problems, and death. Cloned pigs have been shown to be susceptible to PRRS, even if the donor animal did not have the disease.

* Ovine progressive pneumonia (OPP): This viral disease affects sheep and can cause respiratory problems, weight loss, and death. Cloned sheep have been shown to be susceptible to OPP, even if the donor animal did not have the disease.

The susceptibility of cloned animals to disease is a major concern for the agricultural industry and for human health. If cloned animals were to become a major source of food, there is a risk that they could spread diseases to other animals and to humans. For this reason, it is important to carefully study the health risks associated with cloned animals before they are allowed to be used for food or other purposes.