PNAS – Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States
of America
(Accessed 29 January 2012)
http://www.pnas.org/content/early/recent

Perspective:
Peter Palese and Taia T. Wang
H5N1 influenza viruses: Facts, not fear
PNAS 2012 ; published ahead of print January 25, 2012, doi:10.1073/pnas.1121297109

Abstract
The ongoing controversy over publication of two studies involving the transmission in ferrets of H5N1 (H5) subtype influenza viruses and the recommendations of the National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity to redact key details in the manuscripts call for an examination of relevant scientific facts. In addition, there are calls in the media to destroy the viruses, curtail future research in this area, and protect the public from such “frightening” research efforts. Fear needs to be put to rest with solid science and not speculation.

*Details of the manuscripts have already been disclosed to many in the field of influenza virology; for example, one of us (P.P.) was sent one of the manuscripts in September 2011 as a courtesy and to elicit comments.