Modified bird flu virus

Several articles have been circulating about the dangers of the bird flu virus, H5N1, since it first appeared a few years ago. Influenza, or the flu, is not a new disease but with new variations the viral particles are more deadly. Bird flu has been deadly but only contracted by close contact with infected birds.  The spread of this virus in the past few years has resulted in many chicken, duck and turkey producers to destroy their animals at enormous costs to the producers. 

This article in The Guardian by Nick Miller explains why the work of virologists in the US should be stopped.  The researchers have produced mutations in the virus making a more virulent, meaning that the virus is more likely to produce disease.  But even more importantly, the genetically modified virus is now capable of being transmitted through droplet infection rather than close contact with infected birds.  

Scientists from various research centres have discussed the question about publishing of the research.  If the details were released, other centres could create these dangerous mutants.  This would raise the risk of release of viruses either accidentally or deliberately.  However, publishing redacted research flies in the face of international and scientific research and peer review of research, critical for the progress and validation of scientific research.

One other argument is raised in the article.  Should the research be stopped, how will the scientific community prepare for a wild virulent and transmissible mutant?  How can vaccines be produced against the virus unless the researchers have stock material to work with?

After reading this article, students could discuss the ethical issues of scientific research.

• Are the researchers morally responsible for the consequences of their work?  
• If the virus were to escape or be let lose in nature to mix with the wild virus, creating a super-virulent strain capable of killing half the human population, would the scientists be guilty of homicide?
• Is it ethically responsible for scientists to continue preparing dangerous viral strains with the goal of producing vaccines against these same virulent viruses? 
• Is this justifiable if the virus they work to prevent is the virulent virus they have created?

These discussion can be linked to topics 6.3 Defence against infectious diseases SL and 11.1 Defence against infectious diseases HL with how the immune system fights infections by producing antibodies and memory cells and the benefits and dangers of vaccination programmes.  Ask the TOK teachers in your school to assist you with leading the ethical discussions to reinforce the integration of TOK with Biology.