Researchers studying a potentially more deadly variant of bird flu have decided to halt their studies due to concerns that the virus could be misused for bioterrorism or accidentally escape the lab. In a letter published in Nature and Science journals, 39 scientists defended the importance of their research in promoting public health. However, they acknowledged the fears that have arisen since media reports about the studies and their potential consequences. There were concerns that the engineered viruses could escape from the laboratories, similar to the scenario in the movie The Andromeda Strain, or be used as a bioterror weapon. The scientists who signed the letter included leaders from the research teams at Erasmus Medical College and the University of Wisconsin, as well as experts from various institutions like the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the University of Hong Kong.
The decision to suspend the research for 60 days was voluntary. Virologist Ron Fouchier of Erasmus explained that the pause is intended to give global health agencies and governments the opportunity to assess the research’s benefits and minimize its risks. Responding to controversies in the US, Fouchier stated, “It is the right thing to do.” The US National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity had requested Science and Nature to censor details of the research due to concerns about biosecurity. Experts fear that the airborne droplets transmittable version of the virus, which the Erasmus and Wisconsin teams independently created, has the potential to cause a pandemic worse than the 1918-19 Spanish flu outbreak.
Despite the controversy, virologist Daniel Perez from the University of Maryland, who also signed the letter, stresses the need for the research to continue. However, he believes it is appropriate to take a temporary break for further evaluation. The scientists propose discussing and debating the benefits and risks of this research in an international forum. They understand that organizations and governments worldwide require time to determine the best solutions for the challenges and opportunities that arise from this work. To allow for these discussions, they have voluntarily agreed to a 60-day pause on any research involving highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 viruses that could become more transmissible in mammals. Additionally, no experiments with live H5N1 or H5 HA reassortant viruses that are already proven to be transmissible in ferrets will be conducted during this period. The scientists commit to continuously monitoring the emergence of H5N1 influenza viruses in nature, which pose an ongoing threat to public health.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
