(none)

[Michael J. Motal]

Bruce Phillips (bap at MED.PITT.EDU) wrote:
: 	Someone recently asked about smallpox virus.  This virus has
: no reservoir in nature except man.  Wipe out all disease- there are

I do not favor the destruction of the existing stocks simply because 
there is no *known* reservoir in nature.  I think it is unwise to 
categorically state that small pox does not exist *anywhere* on this 
planet except in the two labs.  For a corollary, look at Ebola Zaire.  No 
one knows where or what the natural reservoir of this virus is, yet it 
does manage to break out from time to time in humans.

What does disturb me is that the stores of small pox in the former Soviet 
Union are not kept in a very secure area.  I would feel much more 
comfortable if the only stocks were buried behind the security gates at 
the CDC.  But I don't foresee the Russians giving up the stocks they have 
any time soon.  To do so would further batter their national pride.
-- 
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