A group of 39 world leading researchers of influenza virus claimed about self-imposed 60-days moratorium on any reseaches, which could simplify the spread of H5N1 influenza virus among mammals. This claim has been published in 2 leading science magazins – Science and Nature.
Some time earlier under the pressure of US Government 2 groups of scientists, who were making a research of genetical features of bird influenza H5N1 virus, agreed to delete detailed descriptions of methods from their articles for Science and Nature magazines. The fears of US National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity – NSABB appeared because of the fact that during the experiments there were made virus strains capable to be passed among mammals – ferrets.
Now existing strains of bird influenza can’t pass among people, the infection can happen only after contacting with birds. However, if there appeared a strain capable to pass among people, the pandemia of bird influenza would become almost imminent. The authorities were afraid that such descriptions of methods of getting new strains could become a weapon in bioterrorists’ hands.
At the end of december NSABB offered the scientists to scratch peacefully from publications of the researches about getting starins of influenza H5N1 virus.
Now virologists claimed about 2-months pause in their research work connected with new strains of bird influenza virus.
“We understand that organizations and authorities all over the world need time to find the best solution of problems and challenges connected with this work. In order to give time for discussion, we have made an arrangement about peaceful 60-days pause of any researches, including experiments with highpathogenic bird influenza H5N1 virus, which can lead to the appearance of generations of viruses, capable to pass among mammals better.” – is said in a letter.
Moreover, the scientists give up work on the experiments with virus H5N1 strains for which there was already proved the ability to pass among ferrets.
However, virologists will continue to work on hazard identification of new strains of bird influenza viruses appearing in nature.
The authors of the letter think it’s important to gather an international forum where scientific community could discuss these problems.
The scientists assure that all previously made researches correspond to the requirements of safety, they are made by qualified and responsible personnel.
