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An argument can be made that China is violating the International Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention. By withholding the samples they are at least construc
by rrggrr 8y ago
An argument can be made that China is violating the International Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention. By withholding the samples they are at least constructively stockpiling a lethal pathogen; with full knowledge this action can (and likely will) result in the loss of many lives. The appropriate response is to announce travel restrictions on all travelers originating from China, effective in 30 days. I expect that announcement will dislodge the samples quickly, assuming the present media coverage doesn't already do so.
UPDATE: The virus can (may not necessarily) have a 40% mortality rate says the article below. One would therefore expect the US will obtain samples by other means. At a minimum birds don't recognize borders.
https://www.livescience.com/63448-china-h7n9-flu-samples-pandemic-prevention.html https://www.livescience.com/63448-china-h7n9-flu-samples-pan...
- JumpCrisscross 8y ago> One would therefore expect the US will obtain samples by other means From the article: ”At least four research institutions have relied upon a small group of H7N9 samples from cases in Taiwan and Hong Kong. (All four asked not to be identified for fear of further straining ties.)” That said, a travel ban on travelers originating from or having recently been to China is too harsh. Mandatory quarantines (with the costs of such quarantine being the responsibility of the traveler) would be more prudent.
- SolarNet 8y agoI think the travel ban is meant to be punitive as much as it is a quarantine. I think the way the OP was suggesting it was travel restrictions to or from a country refusing to cooperate with treaties. Implemented in 30 days, not anyone who has traveled to China within 30 days.
- rrggrr 8y ago@SolarNet ... correct.