Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06WELLINGTON369
2006-05-12 04:34:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Wellington
Cable title:
NEW ZEALAND RESPONSE TO SMALLPOX DEMARCHE
how-toVZCZCXYZ0001 PP RUEHWEB DE RUEHWL #0369 1320434 ZNR UUUUU ZZH P 120434Z MAY 06 FM AMEMBASSY WELLINGTON TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 2777 INFO RUEHGV/USMISSION GENEVA PRIORITY 0468 RUEAUSA/DEPT OF HHS WASHDC RUEAIIA/CIA WASHINGTON DC RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC RUETIAA/DIRNSA FT GEORGE G MEADE MD RHEHAAA/NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL WASHDC RUEATRS/DEPT OF TREASURY WASHDC
UNCLAS WELLINGTON 000369
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
DEPARTMENT FOR IO/T AND EAP/ANP
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL AORC TBIO WHO NZ
SUBJECT: NEW ZEALAND RESPONSE TO SMALLPOX DEMARCHE
REF: A. STATE 71569
B. WELLINGTON 362
UNCLAS WELLINGTON 000369
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
DEPARTMENT FOR IO/T AND EAP/ANP
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL AORC TBIO WHO NZ
SUBJECT: NEW ZEALAND RESPONSE TO SMALLPOX DEMARCHE
REF: A. STATE 71569
B. WELLINGTON 362
1. (SBU) On May 9, Poloff conveyed Ref A points to Wendy
Edgar, Acting Manager, International Sector Policy
Directorate, Ministry of Health (see Ref B). In Edgar's
response May 12, she reported that GNZ's "stance on variola
virus is largely consistent with the U.S. position. We will
be supporting retention of the variola virus for research
purposes with the proviso that it is maintained in a safe
environment. Our support for research into improved vaccine
and antiviral drugs is contingent on the use of research
methods that avoid the use of live variola virus, development
of hybrid viruses, transport of variola DNA, and other such
potentially hazardous laboratory practices."
2. (SBU) Edgar further provided the following related text
from the delegation briefing notes: "The areas of permissible
research sought by WHO's Variola Advisory Committee (VAC)
include distribution of variola DNA between laboratories, and
genetic engineering involving variola virus DNA and other
orthopox viruses. This type of activity is not without risk.
Consideration of laboratory safety has been raised as a
proposed resolution under pandemic preparedness (WHA 13.9)
with regard to three SARS laboratory accidents in the past
two years. New Zealand supports increased vigilance (sic) to
laboratory safety. The WHO Director General appreciated the
need for development of antiviral drugs and vaccines without
using the live variola virus and recommended that the VAC
reconsider research on variola viruses, in light of biosafety
and biosecurity concerns, at its next meeting."
3. (SBU) Minister of Health Pete Hodgson will lead New
Zealand's delegation to the World Health Assembly in Geneva,
Edgar said. Deputy Director General of Public Health Don
Matheson will lead the delegation after Hodgson departs.
Chief Advisor of Public Health, Dr. Ashley Bloomfield, will
also attend.
McCormick
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
DEPARTMENT FOR IO/T AND EAP/ANP
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL AORC TBIO WHO NZ
SUBJECT: NEW ZEALAND RESPONSE TO SMALLPOX DEMARCHE
REF: A. STATE 71569
B. WELLINGTON 362
1. (SBU) On May 9, Poloff conveyed Ref A points to Wendy
Edgar, Acting Manager, International Sector Policy
Directorate, Ministry of Health (see Ref B). In Edgar's
response May 12, she reported that GNZ's "stance on variola
virus is largely consistent with the U.S. position. We will
be supporting retention of the variola virus for research
purposes with the proviso that it is maintained in a safe
environment. Our support for research into improved vaccine
and antiviral drugs is contingent on the use of research
methods that avoid the use of live variola virus, development
of hybrid viruses, transport of variola DNA, and other such
potentially hazardous laboratory practices."
2. (SBU) Edgar further provided the following related text
from the delegation briefing notes: "The areas of permissible
research sought by WHO's Variola Advisory Committee (VAC)
include distribution of variola DNA between laboratories, and
genetic engineering involving variola virus DNA and other
orthopox viruses. This type of activity is not without risk.
Consideration of laboratory safety has been raised as a
proposed resolution under pandemic preparedness (WHA 13.9)
with regard to three SARS laboratory accidents in the past
two years. New Zealand supports increased vigilance (sic) to
laboratory safety. The WHO Director General appreciated the
need for development of antiviral drugs and vaccines without
using the live variola virus and recommended that the VAC
reconsider research on variola viruses, in light of biosafety
and biosecurity concerns, at its next meeting."
3. (SBU) Minister of Health Pete Hodgson will lead New
Zealand's delegation to the World Health Assembly in Geneva,
Edgar said. Deputy Director General of Public Health Don
Matheson will lead the delegation after Hodgson departs.
Chief Advisor of Public Health, Dr. Ashley Bloomfield, will
also attend.
McCormick