Research on deadly H5N1 influenza strain halted

Two independent labs working on a new highly pathogenic strain of H5N1 avian influenza have agreed on a 60-day halt to further research in light of international concerns over biosecurity.

Writing in the journals Science and Nature, the group of 39 researchers have acknowledged the “intense public debate in the media on the benefits and potential harm of this type of research.”

“We realize that organizations and governments around the world need time to find the best solutions for opportunities and challenges that stem from the work,” they wrote in a letter appearing in both journals.

“To provide time for these discussions, we have agreed on a voluntary pause of 60 days on any research involving highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 viruses leading to the generation of viruses that are more transmissible in mammals.”

They have also proposed an international forum where the issues can be discussed, which according to Science, will be hosted by the World Health Organization in Geneva in late February this year.

The controversy began when two labs independently mutated a strain of H5N1 to be transmissible between ferrets, which closely mimic human immune responses. This suggests the virus might be highly contagious and pathogenic amongst humans.

In December last year there was a call for the researchers to remove key details from their papers describing their work due to biosecurity concerns. The papers are yet to be published.

The researchers have stressed that access to this research is essential in combating future outbreaks of pandemic influenza, and have made reassurances that “that these experiments have been conducted with appropriate regulatory oversight in secure containment facilities by highly trained and responsible personnel to minimize any risk of accidental release.”