Use of smallpox as a bioweapon, unlikely!

For the next part of our assignment, we were asked to further expand on our argument for or against the destruction of smallpox. My findings are as follows.................

Further research on the live smallpox (variola) virus is no longer necessary as vaccinations and anti-viral drugs have already been established. Hammond and Ching (2011) believe that the need to keep the live virus has not existed for years, and further research should not be permitted. What is more, there are no living human beings infected with the smallpox virus to further advance the research into treatment and vaccination of smallpox. Moreover, there is little evidence to suggest that any other country has undisclosed stocks of the smallpox virus to use against us as a bioweapon, and reasons for keeping the stocks ‘’relate to the legacy of the cold war rivalries and undocumented and unproven fears (with no evidence) that secret stocks of smallpox virus are held by; ‘’rogue states’’ or terrorists’’ (Hammond and Ching, 2011, p. 10). Ultimately, there is no hard evidence to suggest that retaining the remaining stocks of smallpox would be beneficial for further research into vaccinations and anti-viral drugs, nor is there any hard evidence to suggest that any other country is holding stocks to use against us as a bioweapon. Overall, the reasons given to keep the last remaining stocks of the virus are weak and unfounded.

 

Hammond, E. and Ching, L. (2011) Smallpox virus stocks at the 64^th WHA: Implementing the conclusions of the major review. Switzerland: Third World Network.