Viral Environmental Warfare: Technology Bill of Rights Critically Needed

The ongoing “hidden in plain sight” geoengineering operations including the pervasive, near global spraying of ultrafine particles into the troposphere pose an existential risk to the biosphere and humanity. Likewise, bioengineering and genetic manipulation of potential pandemic pathogens with associated accidental or deliberate release represents a dire risk to the modern world. Compelling evidence to date indicates that the chimeric structure and added furin cleavage site of SARS-CoV-2 was the result of human manipulation in the laboratory. Coronavirus and vaccine patents indicate a foreknowledge of the COVID-19 pandemic, which conveniently serves the interests of the global elites. The new COVID-19 vaccines, hailed as the answer to the pandemic, have potential toxicity, fail to prevent transmission, drive the development of new variants, and over time may predispose recipients to antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) of infection. Other important technological threats include Internet-based censorship, nano-particulate pollution, electro-pollution and the massive amounts of electromagnetic energy inflicted on humans and Earth’s natural environment. A Technology Bill of Rights is critically needed to protect humanity and salvage what remains of earth’s life support systems.

The vital importance of a web of prevention for effective biosafety and biosecurity in the twenty-first century

Biological threats are complex and multifaceted, as evidenced by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Their effective prevention and countering require multiple lines of collaborative action and sustained cross-sectorial coordination. This paper reviews the conclusions of Graham Pearson’s 1997 JAMA article titled ‘The Complementary Role of Environmental and Security Biological Control Regimes in the 21st Century’, taking into account the international policy developments that have occurred over the past two decades. The paper underscores the utility of the concept of a ‘web of prevention’ for elucidating the need for continuous interaction between the international biosafety and international biosecurity regimes, in order to ensure that the life sciences are used only for peaceful purposes. The terms ‘biosafety’ and ‘biosecurity’ are used to denote the primary purpose of the two regimes: the international biosafety regime seeks to prevent the unintentional (accidental) release of pathogens and toxins, including naturally occurring disease, whereas the biosecurity regime seeks to prevent the deliberate release and misuse of pathogens and toxins. The paper concludes by recommending practical steps for strengthening the implementation of all elements of the web of prevention and upholding the norms against the hostile misuse of life sciences.

Biosafety of Genome Editing Applications in Plant Breeding: Considerations for a Focused Case-Specific Risk Assessment in the EU

An intensely debated question is whether or how a mandatory environmental risk assessment (ERA) should be conducted for plants obtained through novel genomic techniques, including genome editing (GE). Some countries have already exempted certain types of GE applications from their regulations addressing genetically modified organisms (GMOs). In the European Union, the European Court of Justice confirmed in 2018 that plants developed by novel genomic techniques for directed mutagenesis are regulated as GMOs. Thus, they have to undergo an ERA prior to deliberate release or being placed on the market. Recently, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published two opinions on the relevance of the current EU ERA framework for GM plants obtained through novel genomic techniques (NGTs). Regarding GE plants, the opinions confirmed that the existing ERA framework is suitable in general and that the current ERA requirements need to be applied in a case specific manner. Since EFSA did not provide further guidance, this review addresses a couple of issues relevant for the case-specific assessment of GE plants. We discuss the suitability of general denominators of risk/safety and address characteristics of GE plants which require particular assessment approaches. We suggest integrating the following two sets of considerations into the ERA: considerations related to the traits developed by GE and considerations addressing the assessment of method-related unintended effects, e.g., due to off-target modifications. In conclusion, we recommend that further specific guidance for the ERA and monitoring should be developed to facilitate a focused assessment approach for GE plants.

28.H. Workshop: Health Preparedness

This session will take stock of national, EU and global health preparedness for serious cross border threats to health. As we have all seen, health preparedness and global health emergency preparedness frameworks are essential, as highlighted by the advent of COVID-19. Events such as these may be rare but are a perfect example of why engaging in health preparedness and response planning is essential. These novel types of viruses are not the only cause for the need for health preparedness, which extends to more standard planning of health systems, pandemic influenza plans and other unexpected but serious events such as the deliberate release of biological or chemical agents. This discussion will therefore review health preparedness, using the example of COVID-19, as well as reviewing the gaps identified and what more must be done at EU, national, regional and global levels to ensure health preparedness is effective to protect our societies. Key messages Health preparedness and global health emergency preparedness frameworks are essential for protecting health. Engaging in health preparedness and response planning is essential for an effective response to public health emergencies.

Emerging Health Security Threats and Impact of Bioterrorism on the U.S. National Security

Bioterrorism fear increases after the deliberate release of biological agents at the end of the twentieth century. Letters containing anthrax powder were posted through the U.S. postal system which produces fear among the population. The anthrax assaults after 9/11 made the nation conscious that the public health system is ill-prepared to administer a large-scale emergency. Bioterrorism issue is associated with the deliberate spreading of dangerous diseases thus how comprehensive bioterrorism prevention measures should be taken. Hence, the emergence of bioterrorism has enforced the US administration to transform its national security policy against nontraditional threats. The article shows how bioterror remains a credible threat and poses substantial challenges to the U.S. public health system. Additionally, analysis reveals how resilient public health infrastructure is dominant not only to shielding and enhancing the publics health security but also crucial for the nations security.

Detection and Identification of Bacillus anthracis: From Conventional to Molecular Microbiology Methods

Rapid and reliable identification of Bacillus anthracis is of great importance, especially in the event of suspected deliberate release of anthrax spores. However, the identification of B. anthracis is challenging due to its high similarity to closely related species. Since Amerithrax in 2001, a lot of effort has been made to develop rapid methods for detection and identification of this microorganism with special focus on easy-to-perform rapid tests for first-line responders. This article presents an overview of the evolution of B. anthracis identification methods from the time of the first description of the microorganism until the present day.

Foodborne zoonotic agents and their food bioterrorism potential: Areview

Bioterrorism is anact of deliberate release and dissemination of biological agents such as pathogenicmicroorganisms or their products in a naturally occurring or human-modifiedform. Bioterrorist attacks are aimed at causing death, disease or otherbiological malfunction in humans, animals or plants, in order to achievecertain political goals through creating fear and panic among the populationand influencing government’s behaviour. Historical data showed that zoonoticpathogens have been most commonly used as agentsfor bioterrorism. Applied through the food production systems or directly toprocessed foods asbiologicalweapons, zoonotic pathogens canhavefast anddevastating effects on humanhealth with enormous economic andsocial impact. Despite the development of different countermeasuresand the application of hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP)systems in the food industry, the bioterrorists’ attacks as intentional actscannot be predicted, but could be avoided by strengthening food control measures.

Gene drives and the EU

With the discovery of the CRISPR/Cas9 method in 2012, the global research on gene drives - the deliberate release of genetically modified animals and plants into the environment - increased spectacularly, as the new methods are seen in particular as means to extinct vector-transmitted diseases such as malaria or dengue fever, or support agricultural production. The contribution examines the legality of gene drive releases within the EU and describes the efforts to find some international consensus on gene drive releases. As genetically modified animals, such as mosquitoes, which are released elsewhere, might also reach and spread in Europe, the EU has an interest to actively participate in the international discussions and bring in its experience with GMO legislation.

Biosecurity Threat Posed by Botulinum Toxin

The deliberate release of biological agents with terrorist or criminal intent continues to pose concerns in the current geopolitical situation. Therefore, attention is still needed to ensure preparedness against the potential use of pathogens as unconventional weapons. Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) is one such biological threat, characterized by an extremely low lethal dose, high morbidity and mortality when appropriately disseminated, and the capacity to cause panic and social disruption. This paper addresses the risks of a potential release of the botulinum neurotoxin and summarizes the relevant aspects of the threat.