Public health, influenza experts agree H5N1 research critical, but extend research publication delay

A small group of global public health and influenza experts at a WHO-convened meeting extended the temporary moratorium on research with new laboratory-modified H5N1 viruses, but recognized that research on H5N1 must continue in order to protect public health. WHO convened the meeting as a first step to facilitate the discussion of differing opinions that have arisen in recent months after two research groups, one in the Netherlands and the other based in the United States, created versions of the H5N1 influenza virus which are more transmissible among humans. The group also came to a consensus that delayed publication of the entire manuscript would have more public health benefit than urgently partially publishing. WHO plans to convene future meetings with participation by a broader range of experts and interested parties. The group also came to a consensus that delayed publication of the entire manuscript would have more public health benefit than urgently partially publishing.