Scientists working with H5N1, the avian influenza, are reportedly concerned about a recent decision by the US government to ask two scientific journals – Science and Nature - to hold back portions of a controversial study.
The US National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB) recently asked the journals not to publish the details of studies done on the bird flu virus. It reportedly expressed concerns that the information could be used by bioterrorists. The NSABB is also considering that the government recommend that researchers and journals be asked to agree to a short-term moratorium on publishing any similar work.
Researchers now fear that it may become more difficult to publish any work aimed at answering one of the key questions in influenza science - how viruses that normally infect other species evolve to become viruses that infect humans. Many believe it could become harder to publish work relating to this question if it touches H5N1.
According to Paul Keim, an anthrax expert who is currently the acting chair of the NSABB, scientists, policy makers and public health officials need to come to an agreement on how much of such work is safe to put in the public domain.
It remains unclear as to whether the Board will recommend that the government ask for a moratorium. It is also not clear on how the journals would respond to such a request. Both Science and Nature have indicated that they are willing to discuss some kind of compromise.
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