tetano
Editor, Senior Moderator
doi: 10.1128/mBio.00358-12 9 October 2012 mBio vol. 3 no. 5 e00358-12
The Pause on Avian H5N1 Influenza Virus Transmission Research Should Be Ended
Ron A. M. Fouchiera,
Adolfo Garc?a-Sastreb, and
Yoshihiro Kawaokac,d,e
+ Author Affiliations
Viroscience Lab, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlandsa;
Department of Microbiology, Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Global Health and Emerging Pathogens Institute, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York, USAb;
Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USAc;
Division of Virology and International Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japand; and
ERATO Infection-Induced Host Responses Project, Saitama, Japane
Address correspondence to Ron A. M. Fouchier, r.fouchier@erasmusmc.nl.
ABSTRACT
A voluntary 60-day pause on avian H5N1 influenza virus transmission research was announced in January 2012 by the international community of influenza scientists engaged in this work to provide time to explain the benefits of such work and the risk mitigation measures in place. Subsequently, the pause was extended to allow for time for review of the biosafety and biosecurity conditions. After almost 8 months, these conditions have been met in some countries and are close to being met in others. Because H5N1 virus transmission studies are essential for pandemic preparedness, researchers who have approval from their governments and institutions to conduct this research safely under appropriate biosecurity conditions should resume this important work.
http://mbio.asm.org/content/3/5/e00358-12
The Pause on Avian H5N1 Influenza Virus Transmission Research Should Be Ended
Ron A. M. Fouchiera,
Adolfo Garc?a-Sastreb, and
Yoshihiro Kawaokac,d,e
+ Author Affiliations
Viroscience Lab, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlandsa;
Department of Microbiology, Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Global Health and Emerging Pathogens Institute, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York, USAb;
Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USAc;
Division of Virology and International Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japand; and
ERATO Infection-Induced Host Responses Project, Saitama, Japane
Address correspondence to Ron A. M. Fouchier, r.fouchier@erasmusmc.nl.
ABSTRACT
A voluntary 60-day pause on avian H5N1 influenza virus transmission research was announced in January 2012 by the international community of influenza scientists engaged in this work to provide time to explain the benefits of such work and the risk mitigation measures in place. Subsequently, the pause was extended to allow for time for review of the biosafety and biosecurity conditions. After almost 8 months, these conditions have been met in some countries and are close to being met in others. Because H5N1 virus transmission studies are essential for pandemic preparedness, researchers who have approval from their governments and institutions to conduct this research safely under appropriate biosecurity conditions should resume this important work.
http://mbio.asm.org/content/3/5/e00358-12