Should the US and Russia destroy their stocks of smallpox virus?

BMJ. 2007 Apr 14;334(7597):774. doi: 10.1136/bmj.39155.695255.94.

Abstract

Smallpox was eradicated in 1980, but the virus still exists in WHO controlled depositories. Edward Hammond maintains that stocks should be destroyed to prevent the disease re-emerging, but John Agwunobi insists further research is essential for global security

MeSH terms

  • Attitude to Health
  • Biological Specimen Banks / ethics*
  • Biological Specimen Banks / supply & distribution
  • Bioterrorism
  • Humans
  • Russia
  • United States
  • Variola virus*
  • World Health Organization