China Has Withheld Samples of a Dangerous Flu Virus

© Philippe Lopez/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images Health workers culling chickens in Hong Kong in 2014 following an outbreak of avian flu.

 

For over a year, the Chinese government has withheld lab samples of a rapidly evolving influenza virus from the United States — specimens needed to develop vaccines and treatments, according to federal health officials.

Despite persistent requests from government officials and research institutions, China has not provided samples of the dangerous virus, a type of bird flu called H7N9. In the past, such exchanges have been mostly routine under rules established by the World Health Organization.

Now, as the United States and China spar over trade, some scientists worry that the vital exchange of medical supplies and information could slow, hampering preparedness for the next biological threat.

Bird flu death toll climbs to 42 million hens and turkeys in United States

A staggering 42 million poultry have been destroyed in the worst outbreak of bird flu in America’s history.

That is nearly three times larger than the last worst outbreak in 1983.

It is taking an emotional toll on farmers and staff and a team of forensics are conducting a CSI-style investigation on how it is continuing to spread unchecked.

It is the highly pathogenic avian influenza strain of H5 N2 (HPAI H5N2), which poses only a low risk to human health.