3 ms·

Since smallpox I've heard of several diseases removed, but no talk about saving a few vials. Is this still done?

• nvmc 14y ago
  I'd guess it is. Diseases are still organisms, and we try pretty hard not to let them go extinct.
  • kevincrane 14y ago
    What's the reason for keeping them though? Is it to make vaccines if they potentially come back or more sinister pre-emptive military reasons?
    • epochwolf 14y ago
      Research. Vaccines just in case we didn't get the all.
    • krenoten 14y ago
      We are always learning how to learn more. Destroying the specimens would destroy an opportunity to learn about an organism that has had a significant impact on our own species.