Bird Flu Research: Scientists Behind Deadly New H5N1 Strain Granted Right To Publish

The scientist whose research team last year developed a new strain of the H5N1 virus that is easily passed between mammals has been granted an export license for his findings by the Dutch government, according to Science Insider.

The license allows Ron Fouchier, the virologist at Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam who led the research team that developed the new strain, to send a revised version of his paper to the academic journal Science.

The license was granted after a closed-door meeting in The Hague in which "government officials discussed the risks and benefits of the research with an international group of scientists and security experts," according to Science Insider. The National Science Advisory Board on Biosecurity (NSABB) and the World Health Organization have both recommended publication of Fouchier's research.

"...[The] information in the revised manuscripts has direct applicability to ongoing and future influenza surveillance efforts and does not appear to enable direct misuse of the research in ways that would endanger public health or national security," NIH Director Francis Collins wrote in a statement on April 20.

Scientific American reports that Fouchier first presented his research in September 2011 at a conference in Malta, causing controversy when he sought publication of his paper. Debate centered on the question of whether scientific discourse should be censored if its subject posed a threat to public safety.

In an interview with NPR, Dr. Thomas Inglesby at the Center for Biosecurity at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center took issue with the research, calling it a "bad idea," and adding that "...it's a second bad idea for them to publish how they did it so others can copy it."

Despite criticism, Fouchier has remained adamant that his research should be published. According to Science Insider, he was even originally opposed to filing for an export license for the paper, believing that it was an inappropriate method of controlling the flow of scientific information.

The H5N1 virus has infected almost 600 people in 15 countries since 2003, and is known to kill about 60 percent of those that become infected, according to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

WATCH: Concern Over Bird Flu Research

Comments

[NorLuap]

10:15 AM on 05/09/2012

Really? You create something that kills 60% of the people that catch it and you're still gonna have it published? Oh wait but the government says its ok, so we have nothing to worry about right?......

[jenniferkizzy]

10:05 PM on 05/05/2012

here are eighty million registered and non registered gun owner's in america that mean's roughly twenty million if your a white house staffer hide your status it's simple you will be a target for civil unrest and violent encounter's use what ever you have on hand single women are easy target's as well protect your self your pet;s live stock and kid's don't be afraid too be mean it's survival mode your in see ya bye

[jenniferkizzy]

10:03 PM on 05/05/2012

how too survive a viral pandemic from jenn ok first thing use duct tape too seal up your door's and window's keep and have on hand anti bacterial wipes and even potable water you don't know how long you will have too stay in your home also if a zed out break occurs in your city use the one thing you know how too use your brain don't panic and don't run about in a mindless manner use what god gave you human's will be trolling your neighbor hood's keep pet's and children in door's at all time's and keep a steady supply of medical equipment if your a paramedic hide your status if your a nurse hide your status you will be like gold too people if your a doctor marie navy army air force hide your status your all target's see ya

[DINGCHIROPTERA]

01:05 PM on 05/02/2012

does this creating worse strains in a lab sound like a bad, and stupid idea to anyone else?

[jenniferkizzy]

04:24 PM on 05/05/2012

like i said before we don't need some holly wood end of the world post apocalyptic theme we can kill each other ten time's over and be done with it in a matter of minutes human beings are the destroyer's of worlds bye

[TheSarge]

09:19 AM on 05/02/2012

Playing with fire..

[jenniferkizzy]

04:25 PM on 05/05/2012

yes very much so oh well just bulk up on ammo and gun's water fuel freeze dried food you don't know what's gonna come our way better too be prepared oh and a gas mask see ya

[keith w oliver]

05:58 PM on 05/05/2012

chain saws we need those kizzy lions will try to eat us, and trees

[blackwind]

03:43 AM on 05/02/2012

So how long until we can all get the new GeneMaster do-it-yourself kits and start playing around with this stuff at home?
They could have contests and give prizes for the most unique new germ or something.

[jenniferkizzy]

10:08 PM on 05/05/2012

you scare me in a good way not a good thing see ya check out my movie cliches man hooly wood is dumb bye i do it for the lolz