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Risk assessment: Laboratory-created A(H5N1) viruses transmissible between ferrets
The results of two, as yet unpublished, investigations of laboratory-induced genetic changes in avian influenza A(H5N1) viruses have been reported to have found that a surprisingly few number of changes make the viruses transmissible between ferrets, the most commonly used model for the way influenza behaves in humans. The possibility that this could have resulted in the development in laboratories of A(H5N1) influenza viruses transmissible between humans has caused concern for public safety and generated unusually high levels of debate in the scientific community. This report summarises and explains the complex public health and scientific issues around these developments including the positive and negative aspects of some of the responses that have been proposed internationally.
News
Publication of papers concerning laboratory modified A(H5N1) viruses that transmit naturally between and animal model for human influenzaArchived
Influenza pandemics occur when new influenza viruses appear that transmit efficiently between humans and to which a substantial proportion of the population is susceptible
European Reference Laboratory Network for Human Influenza (ERLI-Net)
The ERLI-Net sub-network of reference laboratories of the European Influenza Surveillance Network carries out virological surveillance of human influenza in the EU/EEA through the EISN timely reporting mechanism and strengthening laboratory capacity for influenza virus detection, antiviral susceptibility testing and typing.
About the network
The main objectives of ERLI-Net are to carry out virological surveillance of human influenza and to ensure that data are shared through the European Influenza Surveillance Network (EISN) reporting mechanisms in a timely manner.
Influenza laboratory quality control
In accordance with the Key Tasks, ERLI-Net laboratories should participate in external quality assurance (EQA) schemes. EQA panels are distributed by both ERLI-Net and the WHO.
Peer-Reviewed Publication
Laboratory preparedness in eu/eea countries for detection of novel avian influenza a(H7N9) virus, May 2013
Broberg, E., Pereyaslov, D., Struelens, M., Palm, D., Meijer, A., Ellis, J., Zambon, M., McCauley, J., Daniels, R.
Peer-Reviewed Publication
Networking of Public Health Microbiology Laboratories Bolsters Europe's Defenses against Infectious Diseases
Albiger, B., Revez, J., Leitmeyer, K.C., Struelens, M.J.
Peer-Reviewed Publication
Estimation of the number of exposed people during highly pathogenic avian influenza virus outbreaks in EU/EEA countries, October 2016–September 2018
Adlhoch, C., Miteva, A., Zdravkova, A., Miškić, T., Kneževic, D., Perdikaris, S., Śmietanka, K., Świętoń, E., Kopriva, V., Chudý, M., Romero González, L.J., Moreno Gil, I., Wallén Norell, A., Verdonck, F.